PhD, Victoria University of Wellington; BA (Hons), University of Sydney; BA, University of Adelaide
Professor James Chin is a Senior Fellow and the Director of Governance Studies at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia at Sunway University. He is Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania. He is a leading commentator on Malaysian politics and has published extensively on Malaysia and the surrounding region. He is widely regarded as the leading scholar of contemporary Sabah and Sarawak.
He was previously Senior Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore; and Professor of Political Science, Monash University, Malaysia campus. Prior to an academic career, he worked as a journalist in Malaysia and Singapore. His most recent publication are; Malaysia Post Mahathir: A Decade of Change? (2015); 50 Years of Malaysia: Federalism Revisited (2014) and Awakening: The Abdullah Badawi Years in Malaysia (2013). Prof Chin has published extensively in leading journals such as Asian Survey, Journal of Contemporary Asia, Asian Journal of Political Science, Commonwealth and Comparative Politics, The Round Table, Southeast Asian Affairs, Asian Politics & Policy, Journal of Democracy, Electoral Studies, Democratization and South East Asia Research. He has also written commentaries for leading publications such as The New York Times, The Diplomat, Australian Outlook, The Conversation, The Straits Times, East Asia Forum and New Mandala.
Affiliations
- Inaugural Director of the Asia Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania
- Senior Visiting Research Fellow: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore
- Adjunct Professor, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University
Member of the following professional organization:
- Association for Asian Studies (AAS),
- Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA),
- Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA),
- Life member of the Malaysian Social Sciences Association (MSSA)
Current Projects
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Selected Publications
Academic Articles
- James Chin. (2020). ‘Malaysia: the 2020 putsch for Malay Islam supremacy’. The Round Table, 109.3 (2020): 288-297.
- James Chin. (2020). ‘L’Australia vista dal nord: le relazioni con l’Indonesia e la Malaysia’, RISE (Relazioni internazionali e International political economy del Sud-Est asiatico, International Relations and International Political Economy of Southeast Asia) 5.3 (July 2020).
- James Chin. (2020). ‘The (re) making of Malaysia and its fabulous 1963 promise’, In Kean Wong (Ed.), Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, and Hope in New Malaysia (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia: Gerakbudaya, 2020).
- James Chin. (2019). Sabah and Sarawak in the 14th General Election 2018 (GE14): Local Factors and State Nationalism, Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs.
- 14 March 2019: “New” Malaysia: Four Key Challenges in the Near Term, Lowy Institute
- James Chin (2019) ‘The 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63): Sabah And Sarawak and the Politics of Historical Grievances’ in Minorities Matter: Malaysian Politics and People (Singapore: ISEAS- Yusuf Ishak Institute) pp. 75-92
- James Chin & Anthony Milner (2019) ‘Malaysia: History’ in Far East and Australasia (51th Ed), Europa World (Routledge: London) pp. 526-537
- James Chin (2019) ‘UMNO and the Myth of Invincibility’, The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, Vol 108: 1, pp 93-94
- James Chin (2019) GE14 In East Malaysia: MA63 and Marching to a Different Drum, Southeast Asian Affairs 2019 (Singapore: ISEAS Publishing) pp 211-222.
- James Chin & Taufiq Tanasaldy (2019) “The Ethnic Chinese In Indonesia And Malaysia: The Challenge of Political Islam”, Asian Survey: A Bimonthly Review of Contemporary Asian Affairs, Vol. 59: 6) pp.959-977
- James Chin, “Sabah and Sarawak in the 14th General Election 2018“, Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Special issue on The 2018 Malaysian General Election: The Return of Mahathir and the Exit of UMNO, Vol 37, No 3 (2018).
Books:
- James Chin, “The AIDS Pandemic: The Collision of Epidemiology with Political Correctness”, Oxford and Seattle: Radcliff Publishing [2007].
- “50 Years of Malaysia: Federalism Revisited”, Andrew Harding and James Chin (Eds.), Singapore : Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited, [2014].
- “Malaysia Post-Mahathir: A Decade of Change”, Jöern Dosch and James Chin (Eds.) Singapore : Marshall Cavendish Editions, [2015].
Selected Talks and Presentations
- 28 Nov 2019: “East Malaysia’s Rising Role in Malaysian Politics and National Unity”, RSIS Seminar, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- 26 Sept 2018: “Mahathir and the New Malaysia”, Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia
- 3 July 2018: “The 14th Malaysian General Elections: change or more of the same?”, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Japan
- 28 Nov 2019: “East Malaysia’s Rising Role in Malaysian Politics and National Unity”, RSIS Seminar, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- 26-27th September 2019: “Sabah & Sarawak: Historical Grievances and the future of the Malaysian Federation”, Keynote Address, 21st Malaysia and Singapore Society of Australia (MASSA) Symposium Monash University
JCI Events
It is obvious that social media will be setting the agenda for the next general elections...
Speaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia Director, Governance Studies Programme jci@sunway.edu.my Lecturer in Political Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia ...
The Malaysia Agreement, and the process of establishing the Malaysian Federation in 1963...
Multimedia
North Korea and Malaysia’s predictable diplomatic divorce
Prof. James Chin says Malaysia is the perfect gateway to the rest of the world for the North Koreans, meaning that it can act as a conduit internationally
Is Malaysia heading for ‘BorneoExit’? Why some in East Malaysia are advocating for secession
In light of the 2020 Sabah state elections, Prof. James Chin discusses historical grievances related to East Malaysia.
Commentary: What’s behind Mahathir’s sacking and Malaysia’s new political drama
Mahathir Mohamad’s sacking shows Malaysia’s regime change is far from complete, says James Chin.
Malaysia’s worrying turn to right-wing politics
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the current Malaysian political transition.
Video: The Malaysia Agreement (MA63) Podcast #1 : Prof Andrew Harding & James Chin
Prof Wong Chin Huat speaks to Prof. Andrew Harding about the Malaysian Agreement.
Commentary: Wheels set in motion for another political showdown in Malaysia
Prof James Chin says the motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is unlikely to be heard come May 18 when the Malaysian Parliament sits.
News & Op/Eds
Melaka a testing ground for Umno-Bersatu fight, say analysts
Prof. James Chin was cited expressing surprise over how the budgetary no confidence vote was conducted.
Malaysia suspended its democracy to combat the virus, now it’s even worse
Prof. James Chin believes most Malaysians would give Muhyiddin the benefit of the doubt over the state of emergency but said COVID-19 had “served this backdoor government very well”.
The rise of a new generation of ‘green collar workers’ in South-East Asia
Prof. James Chin says youth going back to their roots to start green projects is common in countries where there is a growing, and emerging middle class.
Umno-PPBM spat won’t affect GPS ties, analysts say
Prof. James Chin says there is little loyalty in Sabah to Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Part of ‘culture’ for Sarawak Cabinet to retain ‘old faces’
Prof. James Chin says having the same government leaders had resulted in “groupthink”: familiarity with their colleagues and a tendency to keep work habits.
A Pakatan-Umno alliance could bruise Bersatu in GE15 but analysts say kingmaker is still Sarawak
Prof. James Chin says that an alliance between Umno and PKR in PH will boost their electoral prospects against Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
North Korea and Malaysia’s predictable diplomatic divorce
Prof. James Chin says Malaysia is the perfect gateway to the rest of the world for the North Koreans, meaning that it can act as a conduit internationally
PN’s short-term gains, long-term pains from defections
Prof. James Chin says that there were rumours that two more opposition MPs may leave their parties to back Muhyiddin.
PKR S’wak needs to appoint strong leader if party wants to retain seats in coming state polls, says analyst
Prof. James Chin says PKR Sarawak has been severely weakened by the defection of Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian and his supporters.
Malaysia leader wins budget vote
Prof. James Chin was cited expressing surprise over how the budgetary no confidence vote was conducted.
Anwar didn’t have the numbers for bloc vote, says analyst
Prof. James Chin says Anwar Ibrahim may have opted not to call for a bloc vote because he did not have the number of MPs needed.
Malaysia budget 2021: Five ‘refinements’ from the initial proposal and possible implications
Prof. James Chin said that the PH proposal to allow withdrawals from their EPF pension fund could be construed as a “populist move”.
Relief for nation
Despite the PN government not backing down, Prof. James Chin projected that Jasa will retain its functions but rebranded as something else.
Can Dr M’s fledgling Pejuang really be GE15 ‘kingmaker’? Pundits say Muhyiddin’s move, numbers will be the answer
Prof. James Chin speaks extensively to MalayMail on the prospects of Pejuang palying the role of kingmaker, depending on the strength of government party Bersatu.
Anwar: Budget 2021 still needs review
Prof. James Chin speculates that following established protocol, Malaysian PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has more than enough MPs to approve Budget 2021.
Analysts scoff at Mahathir’s unity govt ploy to block Anwar
Prof. James Chin asserts that as long as Mahathir is still around, he will do his best to stand in the way of Anwar’s pursuit of helming the top post.
Opposition MPs may abstain from the budget vote, say analysts
Prof. James Chin was cited saying the number of MPs abstaining from the budget vote may be higher this year.
Big spending budget expected to drive 6.5% growth
Prof. James Chin commented that the Malaysian 2021 budget is catered towards COVID-19, spending big in order to restart the economy,
Will Budget 2021 be passed?: The Star columnist
Prof. James Chin said that while some MPs dare to not support Budget 2021, it is likely to pass and even if it doesn't, the PM doesn't have to step down.
Short-term gain, long-term pain if Umno accepts DPM’s post, says analyst
Prof. James Chin was quoted in his consideration of the best UMNO candidate for Malaysia's deputy prime minister post, if offered by the new PN government.
Divided views on impact of US presidential election
Prof. James Chin believes Malaysians are not so concerned about what happens in the United States, in favour of more immediate local politics.
Malaysian PM hangs on as Anwar’s chance slips away, for now
Prof. James Chin speculates that a month after Anwar launched his attempt to become prime minister, PM Muhyiddin and his 2021 budget will survive.
Analyst: Defeating Budget 2021 bill is Anwar’s last chance
Prof. James Chin said the outcome of the UMNO council meeting has dimmed the chances of Anwar becoming a prime minister.
Is Malaysia heading for ‘BorneoExit’? Why some in East Malaysia are advocating for secession
In light of the 2020 Sabah state elections, Prof. James Chin discusses historical grievances related to East Malaysia.
Snap polls the best way to resolve Sabah impasse, say analysts
Prof James Chin comments on the Sabah governor's decision to call for snap elections.
Najib Razak, Malaysia’s Former Prime Minister, Found Guilty in Graft Trial
Prof. James Chin predicts the Najib Razak graft trial outcome will likely be overturned in the appeals court.
Analysts split over call for MPs to contest under parties
Prof James Chin opines with regards to a call for the amendment of laws to allow MPs to contest under political parties instead of individual names in order to put a stop to the practice of party-hopping.
Zuraida’s position precarious, says analyst
Prof James Chin comments on an announcement that a paper for the implementation of local elections will be ready in 2021 for presentation to parliament.
Tricky balancing act in Malaysia
Prof James Chin adds to commentary on the Malaysian political transitions early to mid 2020.
China accuses US of sowing discord in South China Sea
Prof. James Chin highlights recent developments in the United States' approach to South China Sea maritime territorial disputes.
Don’t write off Mahathir just yet, pundits told
Prof James Chin cautions political pundits against dismissing Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's relevance in the political arena after Pakatan Harapan's (PH) change of prime minister candidate.
Polls open in Malaysian state in test for Muhyiddin
Professor James Chin claims that the state election reflects sentiments of the formation of the March 2020 Malaysian "backdoor" government.
Shafie given wild card as PM candidate
Prof James Chin provides commentary on Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal's nomination as Pakatan Harapan's prime minister candidate.
East Malaysian public will back Shafie as PM — Political analyst
Prof James Chin provides considerations in light of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal's nomination as Pakatan Harapan's prime minister candidate.
Academic tells PH to back Anwar and not Dr M
Prof James Chin weighs in several scenarios following Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's rejection of further cooperation with Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
A new coalition to replace PH? Experts at odds
Prof. James Chin weighs in on decision-making factors in multiracial political environments under the pressure to select the eighth Malaysian prime minister.
Don’t be a loser again, Anwar told
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the current Malaysian political transition.
There’ll never be an anti-hopping law, says analyst
Prof. James Chin weighs in on party hopping legislation implementation and enforcement factors.
Commentary: What’s behind Mahathir’s sacking and Malaysia’s new political drama
Mahathir Mohamad’s sacking shows Malaysia’s regime change is far from complete, says James Chin.
Umno-PPBM merger unlikely, say analysts
Prof James Chin argues that Prime Minister Muhyiddin would want to keep his focus on consolidating his position as prime minister.
Malaysia’s Mahathir Kicked out of Party He Founded
Prof James mentions that Muhyiddin Yassin is burning bridges with Mahathir as he is planning to register PN as a formal coalition.
Malaysia’s worrying turn to right-wing politics
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the current Malaysian political transition.
Cracks beginning to show in PH, says analyst
Prof James said PKR seemed to be the weak link in PH right now, adding that there was a possibility of more defections from Anwar’s party to Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Uncertainties cast shadow on Malaysia
Prof. Wong Chin Huat and Prof James Chin comments on Malaysia's efforts to revive an economy battered by the pandemic.
VK Liew: Abang Jo will likely now support same MA63 bill he opposed
Prof. James Chin speaks to ex-minister Liew Vui Keong, who expects Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg to end up supporting the same amendments he resisted.
GPS focusing on state election rather than federal politics, opines political analyst
Prof James Chin said that GPS most likely would not join the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition formally but prefer to be an ally to it.
Commentary: Wheels set in motion for another political showdown in Malaysia
Prof James Chin says the motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is unlikely to be heard come May 18 when the Malaysian Parliament sits.
A PPBM return to PH is unlikely – for now, Muhyiddin will survive
Prof James said the prime minister’s survival was not really at risk while also ruling out the likelihood of Muhyiddin taking PPBM back to PH.
PAS set to make comeback in federal government after 42-year absence
Prof Dr James Chin said the party would likely push for an Islamic state and conservative policies such as those implemented in Kelantan and Terengganu.
In The Spotlight: Malaysia’s new PM who stunned a veteran warhorse
Prof James Chin, comments on how ex-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir was outmaneuvered by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in March 2020 to CGTN Digital.
Leadership shake-up to continue at GLCs, GLICs
Prof. James Chin states that a leadership shake-up in the GLC's are expected following the revival of economy after Covid-19 subsides.
Malaysia extends anti-virus lockdown as cases reach 1,800
Dr James Chin said that Malaysia is on the right track in terms of its mitigation plan, although adding that the MCO could have been in place earlier.
Has Malaysia’s new PM inherited a poisoned chalice?
Prof Dr James Chin says “If you look at his political history, every time there has been a political crisis he is the last one to show his hand,”
‘Idol’ Anwar still PH’s best asset but must ‘rein in DAP’
Prof Dr James Chin said he believed many were blaming Anwar for PH’s fall, particularly those in the middle class, a key demographic of support for the coalition.
It’s a wait-and-see game for now
Prof Dr James Chin noted that the last time there was a Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister was in the 1960s and 1970s.
Muhyiddin picks CIMB CEO as finance minister in new Cabinet line-up
Prof Dr James Chin said the line-up shows the compromise Mr Muhyiddin has had to strike between appointing technocrats like Mr Zafrul and returning many ministers from United Malays National Organisation (Umno) previous stint in power
New Malaysian leader unveils revamped Cabinet with no deputy
Prof Dr James Chin says “This Cabinet follows the Indonesian system of having coordinating ministers. It will please the Malay ground,”
Malaysia Picks Bank CEO as Finance Minister in New Cabinet
Prof Dr James Chin said the line-up shows the compromise Muhyiddin has had to strike between appointing technocrats like Zafrul and returning many ministers from United Malays National Organisation’s previous stint in power
The Big Read: Anwar Ibrahim — what now for the perennial groomsman of Malaysia politics?
Prof Dr James Chin said Mr Anwar would have another shot at the prime ministership in 2023, when he would be 76
‘Risky’ Cabinet appointments could be costly for Muhyiddin’s fragile coalition, say analysts
Dr James Chin, comments on how ex-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir was outmaneuvered by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in March 2020 to CGTN Digital.
Commentary: Three underlying forces fuelled Malaysia’s recent political crisis
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the current Malaysian political transition.
Malaysia’s 94-Year-Old Prime Minister Is Out. The New Leader Is Likely to Inflame Racial Tensions
Dr James Chin said “He is likely to steer the country in a more conservative, and a more Malay, Islamic way.”
PH likely to pass a vote of no confidence – Analysts
Prof Dr James Chin said this is because Pakatan Harapan (PH) could still show its dissatisfaction with the new prime minister.
Mahathir, Muhyiddin or Anwar? Wait for outcome of March 2 special Dewan Rakyat sitting, says analyst
Prof Dr James Chin said the March 2 Parliament session was not confirmed until an outcome of the Conference of Rulers meeting today.
Analyst tells why a PH government, minus PPBM, may not last
Prof Dr James Chin said that if Anwar succeeds in becoming PM, he will bring in more Malays.
Malaysia’s Geriatric Palace Intrigues Are Causing Political Turmoil
Prof James Chin said that hushed, closed-door meetings, backdoor plots, and obtuse power plays are a very typical Malaysian way of doing politics.
Should GPS stay neutral?
Prof James Chin said Abang Johari’s job “is on the line” facing his first electoral test, and all the political noise is something he does not need at this stage.
Mahathir resignation leaves coalition’s campaign promises hanging
Prof James Chin said The Mahathir-led government had a steep learning curve, as most of the cabinet ministers were inexperienced.
Malaysian leader and elder statesman, offers to resign amid power struggle
"This will give [Mahathir] maximum flexibility; he can start everything on a clean new slate," said Prof. James Chin. "He holds all the cards."
Analyst: Sabah, Sarawak should play hardball if new coalition comes knocking
Prof. James Chin said Parti Warisan Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak could contribute 27 seats to the rumoured Perikatan Nasional (PN) to tip the balance in its favour.
Malaysia’s Mahathir unexpectedly quit as prime minister — but he could come back
Prof James Chin, comments on how ex-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir was outmaneuvered by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in February 2020 to CNBC
Fear of DAP fuels Pakatan Nasional, fear of Dr M fuels critics
Prof. James Chin says “Pakatan Nasional is feasible because of two aims: to get rid of DAP in the government, and to stop Anwar from getting the prime minister’s post”.
Wuhan virus: Uproar in Malaysia over outbreak takes on racial, xenophobic tones
Prof. James Chin comments on Malaysian reactions to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Resigns
Prof. James Chin remarks, “The wonderful thing for Mahathir is that it is impossible for him to lose because heads he wins, tails he wins.”
Improved graft perception score welcome, but more must be done – observers
Prof. James Chin noted that the score reflected public support for crackdowns on cases involving those from the previous political regime.
Anwar in dilemma over calls to sack Zuraida, says analyst
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the feud between PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Commentary: Why Mahathir leaving may not solve Malaysia’s problems
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the current Malaysian political transition.
Analysts see no real gain from making Muafakat Nasional official
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the Muafakat Nasional coalition between UMNO and PAS.
Political observer expecting interesting battle for Balai Ringin seat in next state polls
Prof. James Chin states that the incumbent in Balai Ringin has an advantage in the state by-election over the challenger.
Police to question Anwar Ibrahim over sexual assault allegations
Police to question Anwar Ibrahim over sexual assault allegations ...
Anwar secures party, but analysts see his PM hopes dented
Prof. James Chin stated that Anwar Ibrahim's hopes of becoming PM is not dented as he has the majority support from his party, although not from the public.
Malaysian ex-leader Najib to take stand in 1MDB trial
Prof. James Chin commented on former prime minister Najib Razak's choice on taking a testimony under oath.
Malaysia’s top opposition parties form alliance
Prof. James Chin weighs in on the significance of the new UMNO-PAS alliance.
Face masks fail to hide Malaysia’s annual haze problem
Prof. James Chin states that it is beyond Indonesia's capacity to put a halt to the fires causing the transnational haze.
Commentary: The East Malaysia secession grapevine, an absolute headache for Malaysia Day
The Pakatan Harapan government faces its trickiest conundrum yet – keeping Sarawak and Sabah in the fold while resisting accusations it’s not protecting Malay rights, says James Chin.
Dons say why Anwar should take up a Cabinet post
Prof. James Chin expressed that Anwar Ibrahim would remain politically weak if he does not hold a portfolio in the cabinet.
Malaysia urges citizens to obey Australian immigration law after report of 33,000 asylum claims
Prof. James Chin weighs in on asylum claims of Malaysians in Australia.
‘New’ Malaysia: Four Key Challenges in the Near Term
James Chin's Column: In May 2018 Malaysia underwent its first regime change in its political history...
The bittersweet return of Anwar Ibrahim to Malaysian politics
Prime Minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim might win the by-election for the Port Dickson seat come Oct 13, but he will have to contest with bigger issues, says one observer...
Mahathir’s 100 days in office and the extended honeymoon period in Malaysia
The euphoria over regime change will last until the end of this year at the very least, says James Chin from the University of Tasmania...
Malaysia-China Relations: Wayang Kulit and the Rising Dragon
Najib’s father, Tun Razak, Malaysia’s second prime minister, opened-up diplomatic relations with...
Sea Change in Southeast Asia
Since gaining independence after World War II, former colonies in the region have...
What’s Next for Najib Razak, Malaysia’s Disgraced Former Prime Minister
Why was Najib not charged in the 1MDB probe? The simple answer is that...
A Regime Change Glanced Askance
Those who came up in the 1980s and 1990s were handpicked by Mahathir and former finance minister and now..
The Big Clean-up in Malaysia
The Attorney General, the government’s main legal adviser, has also changed. The previous office holder famously cleared Najib of any wrongdoing...
Najib’s team won Sarawak, not Adenan, asserts analyst
It was Prime Minister Najib Razak’s team, and not Adenan Satem’s...
International Analysis: The Molotov Cocktail of Race and Religion in Malaysia
Last week, the highest court in Malaysia ruled that the Catholic Church cannot use the word “Allah” in its publication The Herald. The government argued...
One year later- UMNO holding all the cards
The country simply cannot progress when the main political discourse is political fascism and the country is drifting economically…
The Rising Dragon: Opportunity or fear?
This month marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the People’s Republic of China and the Federation of Malaysia...
Domestic Faultlines in Southeast Asia
Asian may look like a homogeneous body to the outside world...
Obama-mania
Obama-mania Coming! The visit could not come at a more symbolic time...