Social and Political Deglobalisation : Covid-19, Conflict, and Uncertainties in Malaysia

This book focuses on the discourse of de-globalisation in Malaysia by looking at the implications of this process politically, economically, socially, and environmentally. The rise of right-wing political parties and a decline in global economic interdependence have rapidly fuelled the de-globalisation process by creating conflicts and uncertainties in many parts of the world. The battle against the Covid-19 pandemic has spurred a great challenge among the global community, thus becoming a catalyst in the de-globalising process worldwide. While there have been contested opinions on whether we are now in the temporary phase of de-globalisation, what is clear is that the pandemic adds momentum to the trend. Now that the world has entered the post-Covid-19 phase, is the discourse of de-globalisation still relevant? Since the emergence of this pandemic, Malaysia has been facing not only a change of government but also a rapid decline in its economy, a rise in unemployment and living costs, with the human rights situation deteriorating as the State of Emergency was imposed. All of these add up to a shift toward de-globalisation. Chapters in this book, therefore, engage with this issue from different perspectives, such as conventional warfare, bio-constitutional implications to the right to health, labour, migrants and refugees, digital education, indigenous people and so forth. Acknowledgements Contents Notes on Contributors List of Figures List of Tables Deglobalisation in Malaysia as a Subject of Theoretical Study Introduction: Reconsidering (De)globalisation in the Aftermath of Covid-19 Introduction Reviewing the Discourse on Deglobalisation Covid-19-Related Impacts of Deglobalisation Objective, Approach and Outline Conclusion References Political and Socioeconomic Intersections in a Deglobalising Malaysia Introduction Deglobalisation and Socioeconomic Challenges Socioeconomic Challenges Arising from the Covid-19 Pandemic Four Examples Example 1: Period Poverty Example 2: Digital Poverty Example 3: Health Inequality Example 4: Food Insecurity Prospects for Re-globalisation Deglobalisation and Political Challenges Conclusion and Recommendations References Malaysia’s Defensive Priority Dilemma: Prioritising Military Strategy Amidst Covid-19-Mediated Deglobalisation Introduction Non-traditional Security and Deglobalisation The Relevance of Conventional Weapons in the Post-Pandemic Era The Role of the Malaysian Armed Forces During the Lockdowns Conclusion References An Antidote to Deglobalisation: Conceptualising Youth Activism in Malaysia Introduction Youth Activism in Malaysia The First Wave: Pre-independence The Second Wave: Post-independence The Third Wave: The Asian Financial Crisis and the Reformasi Covid-19 and the “Third Wave” of Youth Activism Context Pandemic, Politicking and Protest: Undi18 and the #Lawan Protest Confronting Deglobalisation: A Youth-Centric Approach Conclusion References Deglobalisation’s Biopolitical Implications for Malaysians Bio-constitutionalism, Power Relations and Endemic Inequalities: Implications of the Commodification of the Right to Health in a Deglobalising Malaysia Introduction Understanding (Il)liberal Democracies Bio-constitutionalism and Commodification Legal Considerations Key Area 1: Bio-constitutionalism and Commodification Key Area 2: Economic Inequalities Conclusion: Transitioning Away from Deglobalisation? References Labour Issues in Malaysia Amidst Deglobalisation Introduction Defining the “Foreign Workers” A Typology of Labour Issues Mistreatment and Persecution Exploitation and Abuse Vaccine Discrimination Conclusion: The National Action Plan on Forced Labour and its International Implications References Mediated Xenophobia and Covid-19: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Media Representations of Migrant Workers in Malaysia Introduction Theoretical Framework and Methodology Hegemony Critical Discourse Analysis Scope The Media Landscape in Malaysia Analysis of Findings Discussion and Ethical Reflections Conclusion References Political and Social Deglobalisation in Malaysia: Discrimination Against Migrants and Refugees During the Covid-19 Pandemic Introduction Pre-pandemic Perceptions Towards Migrant and Refugee Communities Repressive Measures Towards Migrants and Refugees During the Pandemic Public Opinion and Reactions by Human Rights Groups Conclusion References Deglobalisation in Sabah Skewed Priorities in Sabah’s Food Policies: (Post-)pandemic Mediated Deglobalisation and Food Security Introduction Deglobalisation, State Institutions and Sabah’s Food Policy An Overview of Agricultural Policies in Sabah First Sabah Agriculture Policy (1992–2010) (SAP1) Second Sabah Agriculture Policy (1999–2010) (SAP2) Third Sabah Agriculture Policy (2015–2025, Ongoing) (SAP3) Sabah Agriculture Blueprint (2020–2030, Ongoing) Issues and Challenges State-Level Policy Configurations Policy Implementation and Coordination Patronage Farmers as well as Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises Conclusion References Digital Poverty and Inequality During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Keningau, Sabah Introduction Literature Review Analysis and Discussion Context: The Learning Community in Keningau, Sabah Digital Teaching Experiences in Keningau Educational Disadvantages Faced by Rural Teachers Paradoxes of Technology Usage Digital Poverty and Inequalities Conclusion and Recommendations References Lockdowns and Food Security: Embodying Native Wisdom in Rice Production Among the Indigenous Lundayeh in Sabah Introduction The Lundayeh People Globalisation, the Timber Route and the Erosion of Indigenous Identity Deglobalisation, the Nation-State and Language Identity Deglobalisation, Covid-19 Restrictions and Paddy Cultivation Conclusion References Index