Welcome to Anwar Inc
Power, patronage and the future of Malaysia’s ruling family.
Politics hasn’t been on my slate for a bit. But, hey, it’s Monday. Let’s get into it.
You’re reading a paid version of The Malaysianist, a newsletter on money and power by writer and journalist Emmanuel Samarathisa.
I run monthly and annual subscriptions. There’s also the atas or founding member tier where you get all the perks of an annual subscription and more, such as an annual or founder’s report and insight into how this little corner of the internet fared throughout the year.
Group subscriptions are on the table, if you’re mulling over purchases for your organisation or for family members.
Malaysia’s prime ministerial party PKR heads to the polls this week.
The real fight isn’t for the presidency. That’s sewn up. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim retains his seat uncontested albeit for a final term.
The battle is for the deputy president’s post: between Rafizi Ramli, the incumbent and economy minister, and Nurul Izzah Anwar, the prime minister’s daughter.
We’re seeing some interesting dynamics being played out. One is a seasoned campaigner once seen as the party’s policy brain. The other, part of the founding family.
But only one still belongs in Anwar’s inner circle.
Wading into party politics is often a slog. But this one’s worth some attention: the outcome will shape policymaking, Cabinet dynamics, and the future of what we now call Anwar Inc.