57 years have passed since the union between Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.

But with many of the issues laid out in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 yet to be resolved and the political situation still in a state of flux, it’s more important than ever before to understand the federal-state relations with East Malaysia.

Tricia Yeoh, CEO, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), discusses.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

57 years have passed since the union between Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.
But with many of the issues laid out in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 yet to be resolved and the political situation still in a state of flux, it&rsquo;s more important than ever before to understand the federal-state relations with East Malaysia.
Tricia Yeoh, CEO, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), discusses.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

Malaysia, A Union for 57 Years But Not Yet Truly United

Morning Brief - Sep 9, 2026

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Aviation Disruption: Anak Krakatau’s Impact on Malaysia

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia, A Union for 57 Years But Not Yet Truly United

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