The Journal of Administrative Science (JAS) (e-ISSN: 2600-9374) is an open-access, international, peer-reviewed journal. JAS publishes original research in the fields of humanities and social sciences. JAS is indexed in MyCite and is also discoverable via Google Scholar. Important Notice The journal is currently migrating from the official Journal of Administrative Science (JAS) server to UiTM’s server. Authors are advised to submit all new manuscripts and revised submissions through this website. To access and download articles from earlier issues (April 2024 and before), please click HERE.
Framing the Seriousness of Drug Smuggling in Sabah: Enforcement Paradoxes, Borderland Economics, and Regional Drug Flows in Malaysia
Drug smuggling in Sabah has become a persistent and structurally embedded challenge that extends beyond routine border crime and conventional enforcement evaluation. Building on Malaysia’s longer historical drug trajectory and Sabah’s position within a maritime borderland connecting Malaysia, Indonesia, and the southern Philippines, this study argues that the seriousness of the issue cannot be measured through seizures and arrests alone but must be understood through a multi-lens framing that captures enforcement, societal, and systemic dimensions. Drawing on a social constructivist approach and qualitative methods, the study employs in-depth semi-structured interviews with operational enforcement officers and strategic-level key persons from multiple agencies, supported by document and field-based contextual analysis. Findings indicate that the seriousness of drug smuggling is shaped by four interrelated indicators: (1) persistent inflow despite continuous enforcement, (2) multi-route operations reflecting organised supply resilience, (3) escalating scale and value of seizures, interpreted as evidence of sustained volume rather than control, and (4) Sabah’s structural role as an entry and transit gateway with national spillover risks. The discussion highlights an enforcement paradox in which visible operational outputs may coexist with enduring system-level vulnerability. The study concludes that effective responses require reframing how seriousness is understood through flow-based and system-level indicators, supported by integrated governance, intelligence-led coordination, adaptive legal and technological capacity, and strengthened regional cooperation to disrupt transnational supply chains and reduce long-term harm.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amanda Balqis Mohd Mazalan, Yarina Ahmad, Siti Zulaikha Mustapha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Historical Analysis through a Lefebvrian Perspective: The Spatial Production of Malaysia’s Trade Union Movement
The historical trajectory of trade unionism in Malaysia indicates a long-standing struggle in which state power and capital accumulation systematically generates spatial arrangements to disaggregate worker solidarity which has been largely disregarded in the traditional institutionalist analyses. In order to fill this theoretical gap, the current article discusses the development of the Malaysian worker movement by using the theory of the production of space proposed by Henri Lefebvre, with an emphasis on the application of the conceptual triad of conceived, perceived, and lived space. Using a qualitative historical institutional analysis informed by documentary and archival materials, the paper finds important spatial path dependencies at important historical intersections. Results indicate that since the colonial strategies of divide and rule and the New Villages of the Briggs Plan, states and capitalism, since the New Economic Policy and the modern-day restructuring of neoliberalism, have remained busy using conceived spaces to subject labour to discipline. On the other hand, laborers have continued to create other lived spaces of resistance, such as plantation societies and factory strikes to online communities. The paper reveals that spatial dynamics are crucial to modern trade union renewal and proposes the idea that unions need to navigate the conditions of precarious work by using new legislative possibilities to navigate physical and virtual landscapes of struggle.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shamsul Azri Mohd Radzi, Noor Hanis Zainol Abidin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Marine Conservation Area in Sabah: The Role of World-Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Sustaining the Marine Resources of Tun Mustapha Park (TMP)
Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) is located off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, and it is a crucial marine protected area known for its abundant biodiversity and ecological significance. TMP was founded in 2016 with the goal of striking a balance between conservation and sustainable resource usage, tackling issues like habitat deterioration, overfishing, and climate change. This qualitative study used document analysis as its main method in a case study design. Peer-reviewed journal articles, government documents and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports were among the data sources. The data was analysed using thematic analysis to examine WWF's tactics, which include multi-stakeholder cooperation, habitat restoration, and community empowerment. This study also employs the Three Basic Pillars Model which are environmental, social, and economic sustainability to analyse how the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) sustains TMP's marine resources. Important conclusions show that WWF has been successful in increasing coral cover by 20.8%, encouraging sustainable livelihoods, and encouraging local stewardship through initiatives like MARRS (Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System). The study emphasizes how the three pillars are interdependent, showing how community involvement guarantees efficient monitoring (which links the environment and society), environmental restoration promotes ecotourism (which links the environment and economy), and financial incentives promote long-term conservation (which links the economy and society). WWF's work in TMP provide a replicable paradigm for marine conservation globally by incorporating these elements.
Copyright (c) 2026 Erica Joanne Reuben, Haijon Gunggut, Haidy Henry Dusim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Inclusion of Trans Community in Tamil Nadu: A Way to Inclusive Development
Transgender people are individuals of any age or sex whose appearance, personal characteristics or behaviours differ from stereotypes about how men and women are supposed to be. Transgender community has been part of Indian society since ancient times. Despite having a strong historical background, even today, they are excluded from mainstream society and discriminated in all part of their life. As per the 2011 census, the population of Transgender in India is approximately 4.88 lakhs. In 2014, Supreme court of India, legally declared them as ‘third gender’ in the NALSA Judgement. To empower the transgender community, policies and programmes were formulated by both the centre and state government. Tamil Nadu has been a pioneering state in transgender welfare in India, becoming the first to establish a Transgender Welfare Board in 2008. More recently, the state government has introduced a comprehensive transgender policy that outlines a strategic roadmap for the next five years, aiming to ensure inclusion and equality for the transgender community. Despite these progressive steps, transgender individuals in Tamil Nadu continue to face significant challenges, particularly in accessing education, securing legal identity, obtaining stable employment, receiving adequate healthcare, and achieving social acceptance. In this context, this research article reviews the existing literature on the socio-economic issues faced by the transgender community and critically evaluates the effectiveness of state policies and programmes. It also assesses the extent to which these initiatives have contributed to tangible improvements in the lives of transgender persons in Tamil Nadu.
Copyright (c) 2026 R. Venkatesh, K. Vandhana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beyond Laws and Reforms: Cultural-Institutional Foundations of Corruption in Malaysia’s Civil Service
This study examines how cultural norms sustain corruption within Malaysia’s civil service through the lens of New Institutional Theory (NIT). Despite successive legal reforms and anti-corruption initiatives; including the National Integrity Plan (2004), the National Anti-Corruption Plan (2019-2023) and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024-2028), as well as multiple changes of government since 2018, Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has shown limited improvement since 2020, indicating that corruption persists beyond administrative and procedural shortcomings. This study argues that corruption in Malaysia’s civil service is deeply embedded in informal institutions and shared social logics that shape how integrity, loyalty and legitimacy are interpreted. Using a qualitative documentary research design, the study analyses academic literature, official policy documents, media reports and publicly available elite discourse related to governance and anti-corruption. Directed content analysis, guided by guided by the regulative, normative and cognitive dimensions of NIT identifies three interrelated cultural dynamics that sustain corruption: collective sentiment prioritising harmony over accountability, hierarchical obedience discouraging ethical dissent, and leadership narratives that symbolically legitimise misconduct. The findings demonstrate that informal institutions frequently override formal rules, limiting the effectiveness of regulatory reforms The study concludes that sustainable anti-corruption reform requires cultural-institutional alignment in which moral beliefs and social expectations reinforce, rather than undermine, formal governance mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Farhana, Ahmad Faiz Yaakob https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A study on the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the organizational attractiveness to employment among Gen Z
This research examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and an organization's attractiveness, especially among Gen Z. Nowadays, companies need to understand how their CSR efforts influence the ability to attract young talent as Gen Zor Gen Z is a new wave to join in the job market. Attaining the desired organizational objectives may depend on the capabilities of human resources and recruitment managers so that their employees can endure in a growing industry. In the exposure of technology and information era, an organization's commitment to CSR directly impacts its attractiveness to the newest generation that joins the employment market, leading organizations facing the great challenge of enticing this new wave of talent. The objective of this research is to determine whether CSR dimensions, which include economic, legal, ethics, and philanthropic are significantly influenced the organization's attractiveness. The chosen sampling technique for this study is using stratified random sampling (SRS), and the quantitative method approach is utilised to analyse the data collected. The findings of this research shows that economic dimension has significant positive relationship and as a main factor with organizational attractiveness while the other dimensions appear not significant. The findings of this study highlight the need for policies and inducements that foster meaningful CSR practices among organizations for policy makers. Thus, the implication of this study provides valuable insights to organizations that pursuing to draw and retain new talent of Gen Z and organizations is strongly encouraged to include CSR into their business practices to achieve competitive advantages.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nor Suziwana Hj. Tahir, Sabariah Seth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital Human Resource Management and Organizational Performance: The Role of E-Recruitment and E-Compensation in Nigeria’s Banking Sector
This study examines the impact of digital human resource management practices specifically e-recruitment and e-compensation on organizational performance in Nigeria’s banking sector. Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Socio-Technical Systems Theory (SST), the study provides an integrated theoretical framework linking digital HR practices to organizational outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with data collected from 351 employees selected from a population of 2,700 bank staff using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal that e-recruitment (β = 0.640, p < .05) and e-compensation (β = 0.424, p < .05) both significantly predict organizational performance. Organizational performance was operationalized using operational efficiency, employee productivity, and service delivery effectiveness. The strong effect of e-recruitment supports the Resource-Based View by enhancing the quality of human capital, while the effectiveness of e-compensation aligns with the Technology Acceptance Model through improved system usability and perceived fairness. The study concludes that digital HRM practices significantly enhance organizational performance and recommends increased investment in digital recruitment and compensation systems within Nigeria’s banking sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rashida Adamu Oyoru, Samuel Otohinoyi, Adedoyin John Towoju, Lawal Yusuf Birisan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Governance Gap: Analyzing Resource Efficiency in Selangor’s Children’s Welfare Institutions
This study critically analyses the operational status and resource efficiency of 28 private and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Residential Child Care Centres in Selangor, Malaysia, against mandated policy standards and the substantial public funding allocated to the sector. Utilising a mixed-methods approach involving questionnaires, interviews, and institutional observation, the research frames its analysis around the Policy and Resource Allocation Perspective, underpinned by the Child Welfare Governance and Resource Efficacy Model (CWGREM). The findings establish that despite high managerial academic qualifications and significant resource investment, the system suffers from a pervasive Governance Gap. This gap is defined by three critical failures: structural Resource Disparity (a reliance on limited-facility residential properties), Ambiguous Accountability (the use of part-time and voluntary staff without standardised professional competency criteria), and Regulatory and Financial Weakness. Specifically, the non-disclosure of financial data and evidence of weak enforcement, including unregistered operations, compromises the State’s ability to track and ensure resource efficacy. In conclusion, the system operates on a minimum compliance model that fails to achieve the national aspiration for developmental equity. The research recommends an urgent pivot from basic regulatory checks to a rigorous enforcement model focused on Mandatory Operational Audits, Enforced Financial Transparency, and Integrated Agency Oversight to secure predictable, high-quality care environments for children transitioning to autonomy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Syed Lamsah Syed Chear, Mohd Hanip Hassan, Sri Katoningsih https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Determinants of Campus Political Participation: A Case Study of AM, AC, and AT Faculties at UiTM Sabah, Malaysia
In recent years, students' involvement in campus politics is not exhilarating compared to the early 1970s, when politics on campus started to arise. Participation in campus politics is not only focusing on campus elections but also on activism and debate, as well as discussion. This activity has a significant contribution for the future of democracy in Malaysia among the young generation. It is crucial to address these issues with the university students to ensure significant actions could be taken to encourage their participation and to prevent their existence in politics from lessening. Therefore, the researchers believe that there are several factors that are associated with students' participation in campus politics. In this quantitative exploratory study, descriptive analysis was used to determine the mean for the variables. Furthermore, inferential analysis using Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman were observed. The findings highlighted a significant difference in students’ participation in campus politics between the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies (AM), the Faculty of Accountancy (AC), and the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology (AT). On top of that, the factor of social media has a weak to moderate positive correlation among the three factors studied.
Copyright (c) 2025 Afiq Daniel Ahmad Raud, Muhammad Asyari Markus, Nurfaizah Abbdullah, Azwan Ahzran Perman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Empowering Democracy through Education: The Role of Student Leadership at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
This study explores the impact of student representative leadership at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) on promoting democratic values and civic engagement within Malaysian higher education. Student leadership is recognized as a platform for nurturing future leaders with integrity, accountability and ethical awareness which is the qualities that are increasingly important in both national governance and global diplomacy. The research aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to democratic principles and its role in advancing soft power through educational institutions. Using a cross-sectional survey approach, data were collected from final year students in two academic programs at UMT. The study examines how demographic factors such as gender, age and ethnicity influence perceptions of student leadership and democratic awareness. It also investigates the relationship between student leadership experience and understanding of democratic practices. The findings aim to provide valuable insights into the role of higher education institutions sustaining democratic citizenship and participatory governance. By reinforcing student engagement in campus governance, universities contribute not only to domestic educational reform but also to Malaysia’s international image as a democratic and diplomatically engaged nation. Using leadership theory, tthis study proposess the potential of student leadership as a strategic tool in shaping youth diplomacy and fostering a more inclusive, informed and participatory academic culture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohd Shazwan Mohd Ariffin, Aina Shamimi Mohd Azleesham https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining Factors Contributing Political Participation Among Youths in Kuching, Sarawak
Youth political participation has become an important issue in Malaysia following recent electoral reforms, particularly the implementation of Undi18. The reform lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 and introduced automatic voter registration. This policy added millions of young voters to the electorate. As a result, youth participation has become increasingly important in Malaysian elections. However, concerns remain regarding the level of political engagement among youths. Therefore, this study examines the factors contributing to political participation among youths in Kuching, Sarawak. This study focuses on three factors: political interest, political knowledge, and social media usage. The Civic Voluntarism Model was used as the theoretical foundation. A quantitative research design was applied as data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to youths aged 18 to 20 in Kuching, Sarawak. The respondents were selected from six parliamentary constituencies. A total of 390 responses from six parliamentary constituencies were successfully collected. The data were analysed using Multiple Regression through SPSS. The findings show social media usage significantly influence the youths’ political participation (<!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>β</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> = 0.278, p < 0.001). In contrast, political interest and political knowledge do not show significant relationships with participation. The results suggest that digital platforms play an important role in encouraging youth engagement in politics. These findings provide useful insights for policymakers and political actors to improve youth political participation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Rahimin Rahim, Nadrawina Isnin, Che Hamdan Che Mohd Razali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
UN Peacekeeping Mission in Conflict Zone: An Analysis of the Implementation on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Doctrine and Resolution
For the past of 76 years, the United Nations has been a vital force in helping to prevent and resolve conflicts around the globe. UN Peacekeeping missions have played a crucial role in the implementation doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in conflict zones, providing a platform for countries to work together and build peace. The objective of the study is to identify the roles and responsibilities of various actors in the implementation of R2P, analyse the challenges faced in the operation of R2P in conflict zones, and evaluate ways to improve the effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping mission in the R2P implementation process. Drawing on methods from discourse analysis, this study will be conducted through a qualitative methodology involving the study of important UN documents and also in- depth case studies. The analysis reveal that there are obstacles such as political constraints, insufficiently strong and clear mandates, lack of equipment resources and uneven integration among UN security council members. In addition, the policy of selective intervention in favour of powerful countries has affected application and consistency against the doctrine. As a conclusion, without overcoming the political and operational challenges, the effectiveness of R2P will remain compromised
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohd Safwan Syahmi Mohamad Zainuddin , Farhatul Mustamirrah Mahamad Aziz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Childhood Vaccination Views Across Genders: What Do Mothers and Fathers Really Think?
Childhood vaccination is a crucial public health endeavour aimed at preventing infectious illnesses and decreasing child mortality. Although vaccine uptake in Malaysia is generally high, disparities may occur among different demographic groups, including gender. This study evaluates parental views regarding childhood vaccination in Pahang, Malaysia, and assesses whether these attitudes significantly differ between male and female parents. The target population comprised parents who have at least one child under 15 years of age. A quantitative cross-sectional design was utilised, involving 333 parents from Pahang. Data were gathered via a structured questionnaire assessing views regarding childhood vaccination. Descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test were performed to assess attitudes and gender differences, respectively. The independent t-test revealed a statistically significant disparity between male and female parents, with female parents exhibiting more favourable attitudes toward childhood vaccination. The findings highlight the significance of gender in influencing parental perspectives on immunisation. This study advances the application of Gender Schema Theory in public health research and highlights the need for gender-sensitive strategies to improve vaccine acceptance, particularly among male parents
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Hidayahtul Nabihah Manas, Mohd Rozaimy Ridzuan, Noor Amira Syazwani Abd Rahman, Muhammad Redzuan Osman, Muhammad Iqbal M. Pd https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Toward Sustainable Waste Management: Assessing the Potential Implications of Sabah's Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Enactment 2022
The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Enactment 2022 marks a legislative milestone for sustainable waste management in Sabah. This study applies document analysis to assess its potential impacts, focusing on institutional frameworks, waste minimization strategies, financial mechanisms, and enforcement provisions. Unlike previous research that mainly described Malaysia’s federal legislation, this paper highlights how the Enactment offers a state-driven model tailored to Sabah’s local governance context. The findings suggest that while the Enactment has strong potential to strengthen institutional clarity and funding mechanisms, its success will depend on overcoming challenges such as limited municipal budgets, enforcement capacity, and public participation. This study contributes to policy discourse by situating Sabah’s approach within broader Southeast Asian waste governance trends. Limitations include reliance on documentary sources; future studies should incorporate stakeholder interviews to deepen practical insights.
Sustainable waste managemen, Legislative framework, Waste minimization, Institutional frameworks, Financial support mechanisms, Enforcement measures
Copyright (c) 2025 Haidy Henry Dusim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategic Analysis of Influx of Foreign Workers in Malaysia
Foreign workers play a crucial role in filling labor gaps and supporting the workforce of this country for years. Nevertheless, uncontrolled foreign workers' influx can result in various challenges. This paper primarily focuses on the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR) effort to address the influx of foreign workers and its impact on the labor market. The study begins with external and internal analyses of the MoHR, utilizing the PEST analysis and a custom-made internal audit. Secondary sources and interviews with MoHR staff provide insights for the analysis. The SWOT matrix is used to present the findings and the TOWS Matrix guides the development of alternative recommendations. Through adoption of BOS, this paper proposes a set of strategic recommendations based on the strategic analyses using strategic management tools and techniques. These recommendations aim to address the challenges posed by foreign worker influx and improve the MoHR's management capabilities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatin Nadzira Mohd Khamdani, Muhammad Aiman Harith Hairan, Nur Mastura Mustafa Kamal, Nurul Azira Samsuden, Fadilah Puteh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Crisis Management in Corporate Landscape Based on Multisector in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectorial Review
The critical role of effective management during crises has been underscored by the unprecedented challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted corporate operations worldwide. In Malaysia, the pandemic induced substantial financial and operational losses across various industries. In Malaysia, companies under the categories of Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) exhibited more robust crisis management frameworks compared to private sector firms. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on crisis management, focusing on its application within Malaysian companies during periods of crisis and adversity. Additionally, it investigates crisis management practices across diverse sectors to identify key determinants of crisis management effectiveness. In other words, this paper focuses on the multi-sectors of the different companies in Malaysia under the scope of crisis management. The reviews suggest that conventional business models and strategies that historically ensured corporate success are increasingly insufficient under crisis conditions, necessitating adaptive and proactive management approaches to sustain organizational viability during and post-crisis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Nabilah Yahaya, Sarina Othman, Tuan Nooriani Tuan Ismail https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Academic Contributions to Policymaking Across the Policy Cycle: A Systematic Review of Malaysian University Research Supporting National Digitalization
This article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) that investigates how digitalization-related research from Malaysian research universities contributes to the policymaking process across six stages of the policy cycle: agenda setting, formulation, legitimization, implementation, evaluation, and review. A total of 30 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed and categorized using the policy cycle framework to uncover the depth and distribution of academic engagement in digital policy development. The findings reveal that research universities contribute most prominently to policy formulation and implementation, offering empirical models, stakeholder analyses, and actionable recommendations in areas such as education, agriculture, healthcare, finance, and innovation. Notably, significant contributions also emerge at the agenda-setting stage, where studies identify policy gaps related to STEM education, digital inclusion, and youth engagement. However, the review highlights a critical absence of academic involvement in the legitimization stage and minimal engagement in policy review, suggesting institutional disconnects that hinder full-cycle policy influence. By applying the policy cycle as an analytical lens, this study offers conceptual clarity and strategic insights into the science-policy interface. It underscores the need for more inclusive, longitudinal, and cross-sectoral mechanisms to translate academic research into sustainable and impactful policy outcomes, especially in developing country contexts like Malaysia, where research-driven governance is essential for national digital transformation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Aqil Fikry Mohd Annuary, Siti Hasliah Salleh, Nor Ashikin Mohamed Yusof, Intan Sazrina Saimy, Raja Marzyani Raja Mazlan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Governance Structure and Challenges in COVID-19 Response Management by Public Authorities, Malaysia: A Case Study
Crisis response management to non-conventional transboundary threats, such as COVID-19, necessitated a robust governance structure due to its unprecedented nature, marked by uncertainty and regarded as the worst global catastrophe since World War II. This health emergency not only caused immense human suffering but also triggered significant socioeconomic disruptions. As of May 6, 2023, approximately 687,968,896 individuals had been infected, with 6,894,694 reported deaths. In response, countries around the world were compelled to develop effective strategies to minimise infections and fatalities. A strong governance structure, particularly in public administration, is crucial for determining the success of response management, as emphasised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This study aimed to investigate the effective governance structure for managing COVID-19 responses in Malaysia and the challenges faced in ensuring an effective response. The analysis focused on four leading public authorities that were central to COVID-19 response management in Malaysia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using purposeful sampling, targeting top management representatives from the respective public authorities. Findings indicated that the current disaster response management necessitates a re-evaluation of existing governance structures or the development of a specific governance framework for non-conventional transboundary threats. It also highlighted the importance of embracing technology, enhancing data governance, improving communication, fostering community involvement, adopting flexible procurement procedures, and developing leadership skills to respond to such crises effectively.
Challenges in COVID-19 Response Management
Crisis Response Management Effectiveness
Copyright (c) 2025 Zakwan Azahari, Anuar Shah Bali Mahomed, Ho Jo Ann3 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Affordable Housing Analysis in Malaysia: Strategic Challenges and Way Forward
Affordable housing is defined as housing that is adequate in quality and location but not so expensive that its tenants are unable to meet other basic living necessities. Malaysia's significant scarcity of affordable housing has become a national critical issue, compounded by growing urbanisation. This article digs into many difficulties that contribute to the housing crisis, such as the growing of high land value, land use restriction, land allocation and cost, lack of monitoring especially on government projects and accounts, unintegrated system within and among the ministries, technological changes, political instability, high expectation from the public and added with the bureaucratic bottleneck. The article critically assesses the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (MHLG) efforts to resolve this demanding situation. The study uses strategic management approaches such as PEST technique for external analysis, the McKinsey 7-S technique for internal analysis as well as SWOT technique for thorough analysis on the contributing factors with regards to the absence of affordable housing in Malaysia setting. Furthermore, the TOWS technique is utilized to generate feasible strategic options. This article hopes to bring significant insights to Malaysia's ongoing debate about affordable housing and influence future policy decisions aimed at tackling this critical challenge, detailing realistic ideas to improve the affordability of housing in Malaysia.
Ministry of Housing and Local Government
Copyright (c) 2026 Nursyafeqah Ajmal, Alya Jazmine Abdullah, Nur Safra Asyura Abdul Hadi, Nur Fatihah Saifullizan, Syaza Amira Illyana Mohammad Radzi, Fadilah Puteh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Navigating Complexity: A Systematic Review of the Challenges in Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Implementation
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program is a global effort proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to cater the needs of people with disabilities (PWDs). As the number of registered PWDs increases annually, the demand for accessible rehabilitation services becomes more urgent to foster their social inclusion. While the government and community are focusing on providing better and reachable rehabilitation services based on the local capacities and resources, they face multiple challenges in the program implementation. This study aims to systematically review and synthesize the challenges of CBR implementation. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 13 eligible studies were selected and critically appraised by using CASP Checklist and then analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. From the analysis, five main themes are highlighted: 1. lack of skilled workforce and training deficiencies; 2. insufficient resources; 3. poor integration and coordination; 4. attitudinal and cultural barriers; 5. barriers to accessing CBR services. To reap its great potential in empowering PWDs, CBR must be backed by strong and coordinated policies, well trained manpower, sustainable funding, and social support.
Copyright (c) 2025 Farhana Yaakub, Asiyah Kassim, Makmor Tumin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bridging Theory and Practice: The Role of Experiential Learning in Deepening Understanding of Industrial Relations
This study explores the implementation of role play as an experiential learning tool in the Principles of Industrial Relations (PAD363) course at Universiti Teknologi MARA. The objective is to evaluate how role play enhances students' understanding of industrial relations concepts while fostering problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills. The methodology involves task-based learning where students, in groups of 7-8, develop and perform role play scenarios reflecting real-world industrial issues, such as labour disputes and collective bargaining. Data were collected through video recordings of the role plays and reflective essays, which were analysed to assess the students’ learning experiences. Findings indicate that role play effectively bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to grasp complex industrial relations processes more thoroughly. Students reported increased comprehension, improved teamwork, and the acquisition of new skills like acting and video editing. Furthermore, the activity enhanced interpersonal relationships, creating a supportive learning environment. This study underscores the value of experiential learning in industrial relations education, suggesting that role play can serve as a dynamic and engaging pedagogical approach to reinforce both academic understanding and real-world competencies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Suhaimi Abd Samad , Siti Nur Fathanah Abd Hamid, Syahrina Adliana Abdul Halim, Mohammad Bastyian Mahmud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Overcoming Employment Barriers: Strategies for Enhancing the Socio-Economic Integration of Professional Workers from Myanmar in Thailand
The purpose of this study was to learn about the challenges that young Myanmar professional migrants to Thailand face in their personal and professional lives, and how these barriers might be overcome. It focused particularly on the transition difficulties faced by recent university graduates. The employment barriers included Thai language proficiency, cultural adaptation, legal barriers, and discriminatory practices, proposing strategic interventions to aid these young workers in achieving better employment outcomes and socio-economic integration. In this cross-sectional study, an online survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 350 professional migrants and university students from Myanmar who were living in Thailand. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentage distributions, t-tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, analysis of variance, and multiple regression. The findings suggested that statistically significant perceived barriers include learning the Thai language (p = .001), a lack of suitable job opportunities (p = .012), and legal barriers (p = .003). They also revealed that learning the Thai language is generally the single most important accomplishment that opens doors to more professional job opportunities. Thai language proficiency improves migrants’ ability communicate with officials, which is helpful in understanding and surmounting legal barriers to employment. This study’s findings provide practical steps that Myanmar professionals may take to facilitate and expedite their integration into Thai socio-economic culture.
Copyright (c) 2026 Naw Soul Hsar Heay, Henry Foster, Wayne Hamra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Harnessing Green HRM and Organizational Support to Curb Workplace Deviance: A Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis
This study aims to examine whether demographic factor as control variables influence the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM), perceived organizational support (POS) and workplace deviance. The effects of age, gender, marital status, religion, and employment category on deviant behaviour were examined. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to human resource personnel in a utility company. A total of 74 responses were obtained through simple random sampling and analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression to assess the effects of GHRM, POS, and demographic factors on deviant behaviour. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between POS and deviant behavior, indicating that stronger organizational support reduces employee misconduct. Conversely, GHRM demonstrated no significant relationship with deviance, suggesting its role is more closely tied to sustainability initiatives than to shaping employee behavior. Demographic control variables showed only weak associations with deviant behavior, emphasizing that workplace deviance is influenced more by organizational factors than by personal characteristics. The study is limited by its focus on a single organization and reliance on self-reported data. Nonetheless, it provides practical insights for utility companies and similar organizations, highlighting the importance of strengthening organizational support to foster ethical conduct and reduce workplace deviance while reinforcing sustainable human resource practices.
Deviant Behavior, Perceived Organizational Support, Green Human Resource Management, Control Variables
Copyright (c) 2026 Aida Abdullah, Farihah Hassan, Ahmad Faiz Yaakob, Suhaimi Abdul Samad, Norfadzidatul Izwa Farouk Shah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mapping Malaysia’s Poverty Alleviation Strategy: A Typological Analysis of the Malaysia Plans
Poverty eradication remains a central priority in Malaysia’s development planning, with poverty alleviation programmes embedded in national strategies since the inception of the New Economic Policy in the 1970s. Examining how these interventions are framed within long-term planning documents is vital to understanding the strategic priorities that shape Malaysia’s evolving response to poverty. However, research on Malaysia’s poverty strategy lacks a systematic classification of programme types, limiting the ability to assess coherence, evolution, and institutional adaptation over time. This study aims to develop a typology of Malaysia’s poverty alleviation programmes by examining their representation in national development plans. The study identifies eight strategic categories and nineteen codes based on qualitative content analysis of 216 excerpts from the Second to Twelfth Malaysia Plans and their Mid-Term Reviews. These categories are analysed to reveal how Malaysia’s poverty response has shifted from structuralist models toward more individualised and empowerment-based interventions. Findings show that while infrastructure and human capital development remain dominant, recent strategies have begun incorporating microfinance, livelihood insurance, and limited social protection. Critical gaps remain, particularly in market integration, risk protection, and policy integration. The analysis also reveals strong institutional path dependency, with legacy agencies and rural-biased interventions persisting across policy eras. The typology provides a foundational lens to analyse how Malaysia’s poverty alleviation strategies have evolved across policy eras. It offers critical insights for rebalancing long-standing structural interventions with emerging needs, guiding more responsive, inclusive, and context-sensitive poverty policy development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iskandar Idris, Nooraini Othman, Wan Normeza Wan Zakaria https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Regulating Beneficial Ownership Practices in Malaysia
Money laundering is the process of acquiring money illegally and trying to hide the illegal activity by converting the money into legitimate money through the use of financial and non-financial institutions. Most of the country's efforts are to fight against criminal activity. The recent trend in money laundering is to have multiple layers of beneficial ownership in the company through the concealment of beneficial owners in corporate vehicles. Beneficial ownership has gained significant attention , as governments and regulatory bodies worldwide have attempted to address issues related to money laundering, tax fraud, and the use of complex corporate structures to hide the real owners of assets. In response to international standards of money laundering and terrorism financing set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Malaysia has introduced legal and policy measures which aim to enhance the transparency and accountability in corporate structure. Most countries have a system for obtaining information on the legal person or owner of the company. This paper will examine the current regulatory framework governing beneficial ownership in Malaysia, which includes the requirements under the International Standard of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), and Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). It will also highlight the vulnerabilities of ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) and challenges in implementing it in Malaysia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nursyakila Kamaruddin, Nor Suziwana Hj. Tahir, Sarina Othman, Saslina Kamaruddin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Determinants of Job Performance of Public Servants in Asian Countries: A Systematic Literature Review
The primary causes that affect job performance among civil servants in Asian countries were addressed in this systematic literature review. The review further determines six key themes that are based on 14 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024, which are leadership styles and behaviours, emotional and psychological factors, organisational commitment and citizenship behaviour, human resource management practices and skills, organisational support and perceptions of fairness, and work environment and job demands. These factors play pivotal roles in improving job performance and are grounded in established frameworks such as Transformational and Servant Leadership Theory, Organizational Commitment Theory, and Strategic HRM, along with supporting concepts like Emotional Intelligence, Self-Efficacy, and Equity Theory. These perspectives elucidate the interaction of factors to shape performance outcomes. The cultural dynamics comprising collectivism and hierarchical structures affect how these factors are perceived as well as how it is applied across national contexts. It also emphasises the importance of people-centred leadership, fair governance, and culturally sensitive reforms that address workload pressures and psychological well-being in the public service. The limitations are indicating to the need for broader regional and longitudinal studies together with a narrow geographical scope and uneven thematic coverage, pointing to the need for broader regional and longitudinal studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Siti Munirrah Ahmad Zahran, Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor, Marni Ghazali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tracing Autonomy: Sarawak’s Educational Governance from the Brooke Era to MA63
The renewed focus on fulfilling the demands of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) began when Pakatan Harapan formed the government in 2018, which was then continued to be pursued under the Unity Government led by Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim, established after the 15th General Election in November of 2022, with the issue first raised in March 2023 during the MA63 Technical Committee Meeting. In line with this development, the state of Sarawak emerged as a leader in education autonomy. This article contends that the historical evolution of Sarawak’s education system has been instrumental in shaping the state’s pursuit of both autonomy and cohesion, ultimately determining how federal Ministry of Education policies are adapted and implemented within the framework of a highly centralized federation. By going through document analysis and analyzing them through a multifaceted theoretical framework—institutional memory, political order and decay, legibility, and dynamic federalism —the study reveals that Sarawak’s current assertion of educational autonomy is rooted in a long historical trajectory marked by institutional continuity, elite socialisation, and embedded governance norms dating back to the Brooke era and constitutional safeguards in 1963 as well as the selective application of autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 which creates an asymmetrical federal arrangement, where Sarawak exercises conditional education governance rather than full policy-making authority.
Copyright (c) 2025 Auzellea Kristin Mozihim, Ariff Adi Putera Anwar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Revitalizing Malaysia's Agro Sector: Cultivating A Path To Food Security
Malaysia's agricultural sector is crucial for ensuring food security and promoting economic growth. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, food security has become a top priority on the national agenda. Every country, including Malaysia, worries about food security. Despite the country's inability to produce food independently, food is available throughout the year. Malaysia outsources its food supply to satisfy local consumer demand, making it a net importer of food. This situation is deemed necessary due to the country's limited arable land and farmers' restricted output capabilities. This article primarily focused on the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in its efforts to rejuvenate the agro sector and enhance food security. Malaysia's rejuvenate the agro sector and food security were analysed using some key strategic management techniques, including PEST analysis, a custom-made internal analysis, and SWOT analysis. These approaches serves as a tool for identifying food security issues. The TOWS matrix and BOS were then employed to generate many viable recommendations. This article provides information on food security in Malaysia as well as appropriate recommendations for stakeholders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hazlina Razali, Mohamad Fahmi Ali Kutty, Nur Fatin Syakirah Shaiful Fairuz, Abdul Azim Abdul Ghani, Fadilah Puteh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Systematic Literature Review on Civil Society and Democracy in Malaysia: The Pursuit of Patriotism
The discourse on civil society in Malaysia is dominated by liberal cosmopolitanism and Malay Islam, overlooking nation-building and patriotism. Previous research on civil society and democracy in Malaysia indicates a stark division between multiculturalism and ethnoculturalism, marginalising the centre and deepening societal divides. This systematic literature review, utilising the ROSES protocol, analyses 24 selected articles out of 191, revealing contrasting themes of cosmopolitanism and Islam within discussions on civil society and democracy in Malaysia. The study explores how this contestation poses a potential threat to patriotism. Based on Steven B. Smith’s “Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes” (2021), there is an urgent need to incorporate patriotism into broader discussions on civil society and democracy. However, the current argument faces limitations imposed by the SLR protocol’s inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Copyright (c) 2026 Makmor Tumin, Mazlan Che Soh, Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Mohd Rus https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Echoes of Empowerment to Roars of Collective Action: Indigenous Women Redefining Leadership
This article explores Orang Asli women’s leadership in Peninsular Malaysia, focusing on how individual empowerment evolves into collective mobilization. The title, “From Echoes of Empowerment to Roars of Collective Action,” reflects this journey: early, often subdued voices of empowerment gradually amplify into powerful, organized movements demanding justice and recognition. The purpose of the study is to examine how Orang Asli women leaders promote gender inclusivity, defend customary land, and challenge both state structures and patriarchal norms. Using a qualitative research design, purposive sampling was employed to select Orang Asli women leaders from Semai, Temuan, and Semoq Beri communities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns of leadership and activism. Thematic analysis revealed three interrelated themes: (1) the transformation of domestic vigilance into political leadership, (2) the strategic use of maternal frames and cultural values to legitimize activism, and (3) the creation of informal, leaderless networks such as SPNS and JKOASM to sustain community resistance. These findings demonstrate how Orang Asli women redefine leadership as a collective, gender-inclusive practice rooted in cultural survival. The study contributes to broader debates on indigenous rights, feminist leadership, and community mobilization in Southeast Asia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asilatul Hanaa Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0