Two years into prime minister Anwar Ibrahim’s term, Malaysia is led by a “Madani” government formed by unlikely bed partners: the center-left Pakatan Harapan and center-right Barisan Nasional. Madani is the Malay word for “civil” and an acronym for the principles of sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust. But despite numerous pledges, many Malaysians feel disillusioned and betrayed by the lack of reforms. 

In the arts, controversy was stirred up about the lack of Malay representation in a video promotion for the George Town Festival in July featuring only Chinese- and Indian-heritage performers. This led to key events being partially shut down and postponed. Tensions over religious identity festered over the proposed Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 that would give religious leaders’ decrees (fatwas) legally binding status in courts. In October, 12 organizations representing writers, filmmakers, performing arts groups, and journalists signed an open letter opposing the law and arguing that it threatens the freedom of expression.