SYNOPSIS

This talk discusses the shifting nature of the Malaysian electoral and political scene. Specifically, I explore the nature of race-based politics in the new ruling coalition, its sustainability, and the challenge to the old form of politics emanating from old and new actors in Malaysian politics. Is the old way of looking at politics through the lens of ethnicity still relevant? Or should we be attempting to understand Malaysian politics through other cleavages, such as the rural-urban divide, or an intergenerational one? Do the presence of the old guard in the political parties prevent any meaningful change from happening? These are the questions that will be investigated in this seminar.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Walid Jumblatt Abdullah is an Assistant Professor at the Public Policy and Global Affairs Program, Nanyang Technological University. He completed his PhD under the Joint Degree Program between National University of Singapore and King’s College, London. He works on relationships between Islam and the state, political Islam, and political parties and elections. He has published in journals such as Democratization, International Political Science Review, Government and Opposition, Asian Survey, and Asian Studies Review, among others. He has an Instagram Live series called Teh Tarik With Walid, where he has discussions with politicians, policymakers and influencers, in a bid to make politics more accessible.

REGISTRATION

Admission is free. We would greatly appreciate if you register by clicking the Register button above and we will email you prior to the event for the webinar link.