INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNICATION (IJLGC)

WAQF AS A SUSTAINABLE FINANCING MECHANISM FOR EDUCATION: DEVELOPING A GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MODEL

Nurul Mazrah Manshor — 2026-06-11

Educational institutions, especially those that are community-based and privately managed, are experiencing financial instability due to increased operational costs and the reliance on unpredictable sources of funding. While historically, waqf has aided the growth of education in Muslim communities, current waqf management is nevertheless challenged by fragmented governance structures, inadequate accountability systems and inefficient utilization of resources. The existing research is mostly conducted on governance, sustainability, and waqf funding independently. There is limited attention towards the broad conceptual frameworks that explain the possibilities of waqf as a sustainable education financing system. This study develops a governance and resource management model for waqf-based education by merging governance, resource-based view (RBV) and sustainability theory. The study employs a rigorous conceptual analysis through a structured synthesis of previous material on waqf governance, resource management and sustainable funding. The suggested model consists of three interrelated parts, i.e., input, process and output. The governance layer deals with the regulation of accountability, transparency and monitoring procedures. The resource management layer deals with the strategic allocation, investment and utilization of waqf resources. The study suggests that good governance enhances the trust of stakeholders and ensures continuity of funding, which in turn leads to better efficiency in the allocation of resources and long-term sustainability of institutions. Theoretically, the model helps integrate the governance and sustainability perspectives into a single conceptual framework. In practice, the model offers direction for policymakers, waqf organizations, educational administrators, and practitioners of Islamic finance to establish more accountable and sustainable systems of education financing. The suggested approach also sets the ground for further empirical study on the governance of waqf and sustainable educational development. Hence, it improves the long-term sustainability, governance efficiency and accessibility of educational institutions.

UNDERSTANDING COMMITMENT IN THE MALAYSIAN SOCIO-CULTURAL SETTING: THE ROLE OF SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING

Nor Adam Molkan — 2026-06-07

This study examines the mediating function of Subjective Well-Being (SWB) in the association between Personal Values and Organizational Commitment among indigenous technical staff in the Malaysian construction sector. Despite the sector's persistent turnover issues, empirical studies examining these psychological causes within the Malaysian socio-cultural framework are scarce. Utilising a quantitative research approach, data were gathered from technical personnel and analysed with SPSS 28 and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro. The results indicate that subjective well-being strongly mediates the relationship between personal values and organizational commitment, implying that alignment of values cultivates institutional loyalty primarily via improving the employee's psychological condition. These findings enhance the theoretical framework of Schwartz’s Basic Values Theory and offer a refined comprehension of the black box connecting individual dispositions to institutional attachment. The study emphasizes the imperative for human resource strategies to evolve towards value-based management and psychosocial assistance. This study provides a solid basis for establishing sustainable human resource practices in labour-intensive sectors.

TERMINATION OF CONTRACT ON THE GROUND OF NATIONAL INTEREST IN MALAYSIA

Parameswary Shanmugam — 2026-06-28

A government contract is very different from a private contract. It is notable that Government procurement contracts are peculiar in the sense that they have a special clause on termination whereby the Government is vested with special power to terminate a contract on a national interest basis. Under the said clause, the Government as an employer of a contract may end the contract by giving not less than thirty (30) days without any obligation to provide any reason if the Government considers that such termination is essential for national interest, national policy or national security. However, what constitutes national interest in the said clause is equivocal, dubious and subjective. This article explores the uncertainty and ambiguity of the concept of national interest under the contract document and insufficiency of law regarding the termination of contract under national interest basis. This article will provide a detailed analysis of case authorities and legal precedents about termination of contract on a national interest basis. In the meantime, this article will provide proactive measures that can be taken to mitigate the emergence of legal issues that arise due to ambiguity of concept of national interest.

THREE TEXTS, ONE POLICY SCRIPT: ASEAN CENTRALITY AND RULE-BOUND RE-ENGAGEMENT IN MALAYSIA’S CHINA POLICY, 2018-2019

Jenn Yuan Lee — 2026-06-11

This article explains why Malaysia’s China policy under Mahathir Mohamad’s second premiership followed a distinctive sequence in 2018–2019: project review, renegotiation, and rule-bound re-engagement, rather than strategic decoupling. Existing accounts emphasise hedging, domestic political change, and the political economy of Belt and Road Initiative projects, but they do not fully account for the procedural ordering or Malaysia’s persistent reliance on legal and multilateral framing. Using a policy text analysis approach, the study examines two Malaysian policy documents together with one relevant ASEAN regional reference text: Malaysia’s Foreign Policy Framework of the New Malaysia, ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and Malaysia’s Defence White Paper. Read together, these texts articulate a rules-first, ASEAN-centred policy vocabulary emphasising dialogue, international law, and non-militarisation. Using interpretive process tracing, the article derives observable implications from the script and aligns them with the 2018–2019 policy timeline. It shows how review could be justified as governance correction, renegotiation as contractual repair, and resumed cooperation as ASEAN-compatible, rules-based engagement, while sensitive security issues were channelled through ASEAN-led venues. The article concludes by highlighting how authoritative texts can tether short-term volatility and enhance small-state predictability under rivalry.

FRAMING COLLEGE STUDENTS’ EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION IN CHINA: A QUALITATIVE CONTENT ANALYSIS OF WECHAT OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS

Tianqia Kong — 2026-06-23

This study is grounded in an integrated framework that combines attribute agenda‑setting with framing theory. It examines four typical cases: the government account “大学生就业资讯” (College Student Employment Information), the university account “西安文理学院就业中心” (Xi’an University of Arts and Sciences Employment Center), the enterprise account “实习僧” (Shixiseng), and the individual account “今日实习” (Today’s Internship). The findings show that the four types of accounts differ markedly in their selection of issue attributes, textual presentation, framing strategies, and subject positioning. For the government account, the framing strategy centres on authoritative service and risk prevention, with clear emphasis on policy norms, public services, and information security. The university account, in contrast, operates with a campus service and process-support frame: it not only disseminates job information but also offers guidance, reminders, and value orientation. The enterprise account, meanwhile, adopts an opportunity conversion and urgent action frame, which boosts user conversion through prominent salary figures, reputable company names, benefit labels, and direct calls to action. Finally, the individual account deploys an efficient filtering and peer companionship frame, helping users lower their information-screening costs by means of industry classification and a clean, low-ornament organisational style. This study argues that the four types of actors jointly constitute a new media ecology of college students’ employment information in China, while different frames may also create tensions among information authority, commercialization, generalized reposting, and emotional mobilization. These tensions can lead to negative consequences for students‘ career decisions: for example, overpackaged commercial information may induce unrealistic salary expectations and hasty applications, while fragmented and emotionally charged frames may increase anxiety and make it harder to systematically evaluate job fit. The conclusions provide reference for university employment accounts seeking to optimize content production and improve the quality of employment information services and also offer suggestions for government regulators.

DEVELOPING A CITIZEN-CENTRIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES IN MALAYSIA

Fairuz Hidayat Merican Wan Merican — 2026-06-11

This paper develops a conceptual framework for a citizen-centric performance evaluation system for state legislative representatives in Malaysia. This study does not present a finished scorecard. It does, however, clarify the framework’s purpose, scope, and operational logic so that it can later be tested and adapted. The framework responds to a governance gap in which election-based accountability and formal oversight alone provide only episodic, incomplete, and weakly visible information about representative’s responsiveness, constituency service, and transparency. Drawing on social accountability scholarship, participatory governance theory, and performance management literature, the paper integrates these perspectives into a four-dimension model organized around constituent service effectiveness, legislative responsiveness, transparency, and accountability. Citizen input is envisioned through structured surveys, public forums, and digital feedback channels, with responses aggregated and interpreted alongside formal legislative records and oversight findings. The paper concludes by outlining implementation, validation, and institutional design considerations for a citizen-led evaluation initiative.

RECONSTRUCTING INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES’ COGNITION OF CHINESE CULTURE: THE EFFECTS OF LI ZIQI’S INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE SHORT VIDEOS ON STEREOTYPE DISMANTLING AND CURIOSITY ACTIVATION

Chuyao Wang — 2026-06-23

This qualitative study examines how Li Ziqi’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) short videos reshape international audiences’ perceptions of Chinese culture. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 15 participants from 10 countries and pre–post cognitive contrast data, the study identifies two major cognitive reconstruction effects, interpreted through Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and Hall’s high–low context theory, this study extends these frameworks by demonstrating how everyday-embedded heritage representations mediate stereotype reconfiguration and activate cross-cultural engagement mechanisms. First, the videos dismantle monolithic stereotypes that associate China primarily with technological modernity. Second, they activate cross-cultural curiosity and stimulate active cultural exploration behaviors. In addition, bicultural participants demonstrate deeper interpretive engagement than monocultural audiences. The findings highlight the role of everyday-embedded heritage representation in reducing cultural distance and promoting intercultural understanding.

GENDERED NARRATIVES IN WOMEN-ORIENTED MICRO-SHORT PLAYS: A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY

Nana Feng — 2026-06-10

Women-oriented micro-short plays have emerged as a distinctive audiovisual form within contemporary digital media networks, particularly in relation to women’s experiences, emotional negotiation, and identity formation. This paper examines gendered narratives in women-oriented micro-short plays from a cross-cultural perspective, focusing on how such narratives shape female audience identification and reflect broader socio-cultural conditions. Adopting a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, the study draws on questionnaire responses, textual and narrative analysis of selected micro-short plays, and an illustrative case study of a representative women-oriented micro-short series distributed on a major short-video platform. The findings indicate that narratives centred on women’s self-development, emotional negotiation, workplace experience, and social identity are central to audience engagement. The compressed narrative structure and heightened emotional pacing of micro-short plays strengthen affective resonance and facilitate audience identification. The cross-cultural comparison reveals both shared and culturally specific patterns of gender representation. Domestic productions tend to emphasise family values and relational negotiation, while international examples more frequently foreground personal autonomy, self-realisation, and boundary-setting. This paper contributes to media and communication studies by positioning women-oriented micro-short plays as a gendered media form and by highlighting their cultural significance within contemporary short-form digital storytelling.

CINTA KEADILAN MELALUI PEMERKASAAN UNDANG-UNDANG SYARIAH DALAM KONTEKS PENDIDIKAN TINGGI

Syaidatun Nazirah Abu Zahrin — 2026-06-23

Keadilan membawa maksud meletakkan sesuatu pada tempatnya. Cinta kepada keadilan menjadi teras kepada keharmonian dan kesejahteraan masyarakat. Menegakkan keadilan melalui lunas undang-undang adalah hak setiap individu melangkaui agama, bangsa, keturunan, kedudukan sosial mahupun politik. Di Malaysia, pelaksanaan dualisme undang-undang bermakna undang-undang sivil dan syariah dilaksanakan seiring walaupun bidang kuasa Mahkamah Syariah adalah sangat terhad. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif iaitu kaedah kajian perpustakaan dalam mencari bahan kajian dan data yang diperolehi telah dianalisis secara tematik, berdasarkan kata kunci cinta keadilan, institusi pendidikan tinggi dan undang-undang Syariah. Kajian ini menganalisis sumber ilmiah dari tahun 2012 hingga ke tahun 2025 dan dikecualikan mengenai aspek campur tangan kerajaan dalam sistem keadilan. Makalah ini menganalisa cabaran pelaksanaan undang-undang Syariah di Malaysia, rentetan daripada beberapa kes yang mencabar bidang kuasa Badan Perundangan Negeri dalam membuat peruntukan berhubung kesalahan jenayah Syariah. Dapatan kajian ini merumuskan terdapat keperluan untuk melahirkan lebih ramai modal insan yang mahir dalam kedua-dua bidang, iaitu undang-undang sivil dan syariah bagi mendepani konflik bidang kuasa mahkamah sivil dan mahkamah syariah yang masih berterusan. Institusi Pengajian Tinggi memainkan peranan yang penting dalam melahirkan graduan yang celik kedua-dua bidang. Selain itu, nilai-nilai cinta keadilan perlu diterapkan melalui silibus dan aktiviti kokurikulum yang bersesuaian. Kajian ini penting dalam memupuk minat graduan undang-undang mahupun syariah untuk menceburi kedua-dua cabang undang-undang selain mengenalpasti langkah-langkah yang perlu diambil bagi memastikan cinta keadilan dapat diterapkan dalam kalangan mahasiswa dan masyarakat.

becomes the core of harmony and societal well-being. Upholding justice through the rule of law is the right of every individual regardless of religion, race, lineage, social status, or politics. In Malaysia, the implementation of legal dualism means civil and Syariah Laws are enforced concurrently, even though the jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts is very limited. This study uses a qualitative approach, namely the library research method to gather materials. The data obtained were analysed thematically using the keywords: love for justice, higher education institutions, and Syariah Law. This study analyzes scientific sources from 2012 to 2025, excluding aspects of government intervention in the justice system. This paper analyses the challenges of implementing Syariah law in Malaysia following several cases that challenged the legislative powers of the State Law-making Bodies in establishing provisions related to Syariah criminal offenses. The findings of this study conclude that there is a need to produce more human capital proficient in both fields, whether civil law or Syariah law, to address the ongoing jurisdictional conflicts between civil and Syariah courts. Higher Education Institutions play an important role in producing graduates who are literate in both fields. In addition, values of love for justice need to be instilled through appropriate syllabus and co-curricular activities. This study is important in cultivating the interest of law and Syariah law graduates to venture into both branches of law, as well as identifying the measures that need to be taken to ensure that the love for justice can be instilled among students and the community.

FROM PROFILING TO ACTION: STRATEGIC PATHWAYS FOR ADDRESSING URBAN HARDCORE POVERTY IN KUALA LUMPUR

Shahsuzan Zakaria — 2026-06-07

Despite sustained national economic growth and a plethora of social safety nets, hardcore urban poverty remains an entrenched challenge in Malaysia’s metropolitan landscapes. This study critically examines the dynamics of urban deprivation in Kuala Lumpur using primary profiling data collected between 2024 and 2025, focusing on 194 households registered in the national eKasih system across the Batu, Titiwangsa, and Bandar Tun Razak constituencies. The research was executed through strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Federal Territories, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). Moving beyond mere descriptive analysis, this paper seeks to bridge the gap between empirical data and actionable policy pathways. Our findings reveal a significant paradox: while many impoverished households possess latent economic productivity, their upward mobility is stifled by acute livelihood pressures, mismatched intervention designs, and systemic governance gaps. To address these challenges, the study proposes six evidence-based strategic interventions, ranging from differentiated empowerment models and integrated data governance to community-led implementation and formalized exit strategies. Ultimately, this research offers a robust, policy-oriented framework specifically tailored to navigate the complexities of poverty within high-density metropolitan environments.

ETHICAL RISKS AND COPING STRATEGIES OF GENERATIVE AI IN MUSIC EDUCATION

Huixin Zhen — 2026-06-11

The increasingly prominent role of generative AI in education, and the application of generative AI in music education and industry have drawn sustained scholarly attention to its pedagogical value, ethical challenges, and effects on musical creativity. AI tools are applied in intelligent composition, music production, music creation, assisted lesson preparation, etc. Although generative AI has effectively enhanced music creation, production efficiency, and pedagogical innovation in the field of music, according to the UNESCO (2021) Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, China’s (2023) Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services, and relevant literature, the ethical risks of generative AI in music field remain significant. Based on relevant literature, this study contributes a risk taxonomy, an ethical governance framework, and actionable policy guidelines to promote the ethical and healthy development of generative AI in music education.

ALTERNATIVE FUNDING MODELS FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Elena Mazlinda Mazlan — 2026-06-07

The growing complexity of societal challenges and the increasing costs and risks associated with research and development (R&D) have intensified scrutiny of traditional, project-based public funding models, which are criticised for rigidity, short-termism, and uneven distribution of resources. In response, a diverse set of alternative funding models has emerged, yet the existing evidence remains fragmented across disciplines, policy contexts, and methodological approaches. This study presents a systematic literature review that synthesises and critically evaluates scholarly work on alternative funding models for R&D, with a system-level focus on how funding is designed, allocated, governed, and experienced by research actors. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, a structured search was conducted using the Scopus as well as Web of Science databases, employing advanced keyword combinations associated with R&D and public funding. Following screening, eligibility assessment, and quality appraisal, 57 primary studies were retained for in-depth analysis. The findings are organised into four thematic areas: (1) funding mechanisms, allocation design, and performance effects; (2) equity, disparities, and the question of who gets funded; (3) governance, accountability, integrity, and regulatory constraints; and (4) institutions, innovation ecosystems, participation, and researcher-facing realities. Across these themes, the literature reveals persistent tensions between efficiency and inclusivity, accountability and flexibility, and strategic steering and academic autonomy. The review shows that alternative funding models—including hybrid public–private schemes, mission-oriented instruments, and participatory mechanisms—can generate benefits but also introduce governance and equity challenges depending on their design and institutional context. By reframing alternative funding models as interacting allocation logics and governance arrangements, this review advances a more integrated understanding of R&D funding systems and highlights priorities for future research on comparative effectiveness, long-term innovation outcomes, and system-level funding design.

A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CRIME INDEX (MCI-PDRM) FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IN MALAYSIA: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Sharifah Mohd Nawani — 2026-06-23

This study explores the development of a multidimensional crime index to measure safety and security in Malaysia using a systematic literature review method. Conventional crime data, which may not fully reflect aspects of public safety, social well-being, fear of crime, environmental vulnerability, cyber risk, and broader community resilience, are often overemphasized by current crime measurement systems. As a result, there is an increasing demand for a more comprehensive and integrated crime index structure that can represent current security issues in Malaysia. Relevant scholarly articles, policy reports and institutional publications were systematically retrieved and analysed from a large academic database using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique. The main dimensions and theoretical underpinnings used in previous crime index and security assessment research in the Malaysian and international contexts are summarised in this study. The results show that several interrelated domains, such as violent crime, property crime, cybercrime, public disorder, perceptions of safety, socio-economic determinants, urban environmental conditions, and government effectiveness, are often included in multidimensional crime measurements. Significant research gaps in the Malaysian context are also identified through the assessment, particularly the inadequate integration of subjective and objective safety indicators in current frameworks for measuring crime. In response, this study offers a conceptual framework for creating a multifaceted crime index that can assist in sustainable community development, evidence-based policymaking, urban governance, and crime prevention tactics. By encouraging more rigorous methods of assessing safety and security beyond conventional crime data, the proposed framework adds to the literature on criminology and public policy. Finally, this study offers useful suggestions for improving the management of national safety and security in Malaysia for scholars, policymakers, local authorities, and law enforcement.

SIKAP DAN KEPUASAN RAKYAT TERHADAP PRESTASI KERAJAAN NEGERI KELANTAN DI BAWAH PENTADBIRAN PAS PASCA PRN 2023: SATU KAJIAN KES DI KAWASAN PARLIMEN KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN

Mazlan Ali — 2026-06-11

Artikel ini meneliti sikap dan kepuasan rakyat terhadap prestasi Kerajaan Negeri yang ditadbir oleh Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) di negeri Kelantan, dengan memberi fokus kepada kawasan P21 Parlimen Kota Bharu selepas Pilihan Raya Negeri (PRN) 2023. Kajian ini juga mengkaji tahap kepuasan rakyat terhadap usaha pembangunan, keberkesanan pentadbiran Menteri Besar Kelantan, serta impak program diperkenalkan oleh kerajaan negeri. Tumpuan utama kajian ini adalah penduduk di Parlimen Kota Bharu yang merangkumi 32 daerah terpilih, melibatkan seramai 1,000 orang responden yang dipilih menerusi kaedah bersrata bernisbah purposive. Data kajian juga dianalisis secara deskriptif. Kelantan, yang telah lama berada di bawah penguasaan PAS, menawarkan konteks politik yang unik dengan corak sokongan rakyat yang berakar kepada elemen keagamaan, budaya dan identiti tempatan. Hasil kajian mendapati majoriti responden menyatakan tahap kepuasan yang tinggi terhadap kepimpinan kerajaan negeri, meskipun terdapat ruang penambahbaikan terutama dalam aspek infrastruktur dan pengurusan sisa pepejal. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada wacana akademik berhubung politik pembangunan di negeri-negeri yang ditadbir oleh PAS. Kajian ini juga memberi gambaran kepada pemahaman yang lebih mendalam dan bermakna terhadap keberkesanan tadbir urus negeri dalam konteks pembangunan wilayah di Malaysia dengan menyoroti dimensi ekonomi, sosial, infrastruktur, dan spiritual yang membentuk persepsi rakyat. Sebagai rumusan, kajian ini memberikan satu gambaran penting dan jelas tentang kestabilan politik di Kelantan dan potensi hala tuju pentadbiran negeri pasca PRN 2023.

This article examines the attitudes and satisfaction of the people toward the performance of the State Government administered by the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) in Kelantan, with a particular focus on the P21 Kota Bharu parliamentary constituency following the 2023 State Election (PRN 2023). The study also evaluates public satisfaction with development efforts, the administrative effectiveness of the Kelantan Chief Minister, and the impact of programs introduced by the state government. The primary focus is on residents within the Kota Bharu parliamentary constituency, covering 32 selected districts and involving 1,000 respondents selected through a proportionate stratified purposive sampling method. The data were analyzed descriptively. Kelantan, which has long been governed by PAS, presents a unique political context with a support pattern rooted in religious, cultural, and local identity elements. The findings reveal that the majority of respondents expressed a high level of satisfaction with the state government’s leadership, although there remains room for improvement, particularly in infrastructure development and solid waste management. This study contributes to the academic discourse on development politics in PAS-led states. It also provides a more meaningful and in-depth understanding of state-level governance effectiveness in the context of regional development in Malaysia, highlighting the economic, social, infrastructural, and spiritual dimensions that shape public perception. In conclusion, the study offers an important and clear picture of political stability in Kelantan and the potential direction of its state administration in the post-PRN 2023 era.

ENHANCING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: EXAMINING THE TECHNOLOGICAL, ORGANIZATIONAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVERS SHAPING AI ADOPTION INTENTIONS AMONG GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Mariam Mohamed Omar Al-Ameri — 2026-06-23

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a key driver of digital transformation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), yet its adoption within government institutions remains uneven despite substantial national investments and policy support. This study investigates the technological, organizational, and environmental factors influencing government employees’ intentions to adopt AI. Drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, the study proposes an integrated model that examines the effects of System Quality, Service Quality, Information Quality, Technical Support, AI Awareness, Top Management Support, Government Policy, Industry Pressure, and Data Privacy Concerns on Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Trust, and Intention to Adopt AI. User Readiness was also examined as a moderating variable. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 425 government employees across the seven emirates of the UAE. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that technological quality factors, organizational support, and environmental conditions significantly influence Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use. Consistent with TAM, Perceived Ease of Use positively affects Perceived Usefulness, while both constructs significantly enhance Trust. Trust emerged as the strongest predictor of Intention to Adopt AI, highlighting its critical role in fostering AI acceptance among public-sector employees. In addition, User Readiness significantly strengthened the relationship between technology perceptions and adoption intention. The model demonstrated substantial explanatory power, accounting for 78.1% of the variance in Intention to Adopt AI. The study contributes to the AI adoption literature by integrating TAM and TOE within a public-sector context and highlighting the importance of trust and user readiness in technology acceptance. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers and government leaders seeking to accelerate AI-driven digital transformation through improved technological infrastructure, organizational preparedness, employee awareness, and trust-building initiatives.

UAVs SECURITY THREATS IN MALAYSIAN AIRSPACE: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Khairul Nizam Taib — 2026-06-11

The UAV’s development in Malaysia has progressed due to its prominent features, especially in security and defence industries, agriculture, logistics, surveillance and disaster management. The versatility, deployability and cost efficiency influenced modern technology innovation in fulfilling the needs of the society. However, the benefits of UAVs now bestowed on the society have left a negative impact on the society, especially on the Malaysian airspace. The security threats posed by UAVs include disruptions to the civil and military airspace, violations of personal rights and illegal activities within borders. Despite its prominent benefits to society, this article emphasises the utmost significant need to address the risks in light of security and defence matters. In lieu, the lacuna left in our law regarding the use of UAVs will be highlighted as well. Furthermore, balancing innovation and security measures through a robust framework, investment in counter-UAV technology and public awareness, and collaboration for border security with neighbouring countries must be established. Through a qualitative methodology, this article will propose guidelines for government stakeholders, policymakers and enforcement agencies to mitigate UAV-related risks and, at the same time, maximise UAVs’ potential benefits bestowed on society.

THE CELEBRATION OF LABUBU: OBSESSION, GLORIFICATION AND DOMESTICATION IN INDIRECT MEDIA FRAMING

Jin Beng1 Seach — 2026-06-23

Toys are often adored because of their cuteness and aesthetic value. However, this expectation shifted when Labubu entered the toy market. With its unconventional aesthetics and sometimes repulsive, alien-like appearance, Labubu took the world by storm, becoming one of the most sought-after items in the toy industry. From laypeople to celebrities, Labubu made its way into bags as plush toys and into social media feeds as attention-grabbing content. Labubu’s popularity is often attributed to star power and effective marketing strategies. However, this paper argues that beyond these factors, the media also played a pivotal role in fuelling its sustained popularity. By examining the framework of media framing, particularly indirect media framing, this paper highlights the unexpected consequences of media practices, where Labubu’s popularity emerged as an indirect result of media framing in Malaysia. This paper presents a retrospective cultural analysis of the rise and discursive consolidation of Labubu in Malaysian media between 2024 and 2025, a period identified as the zenith of its cultural visibility. By analysing 30 Labubu-related headlines from various English news portals in Malaysia across three categories, Obsession, Glorification, and Domestication. This paper shows how indirect media framing contributes to Labubu’s rising popularity. The findings suggest that media framing has the power to generate publicity even when the exposure is not necessarily positive. When such framing occurs frequently and repeatedly, it can sustain the popularity of subjects being framed, even when this is not the intended purpose. Hence, in the case of Labubu, indirect media framing is shown to be just as impactful as direct media framing, despite being less frequently examined.

TAHYUL DAN FENOMENA MISTIK DALAM WACANA GENERASI Z MALAYSIA: ANALISIS KONSEPTUAL BERASASKAN LITERATUR

Mohamad Murad Mahyudin Muheji — 2026-06-10

Gejala tahyul dan mistik masih wujud dalam masyarakat moden. Hal ini berlaku walaupun khalayak berhadapan dengan rasionalisasi, pendidikan formal dan kemajuan teknologi. Dalam konteks Malaysia, Generasi Z yang dibesarkan dalam persekitaran digital dan berbilang budaya berdepan persoalan dalam menilai naratif tahyul dan mistik dalam ruang sosio-agama semasa. Artikel ini bertujuan menyediakan analisis konseptual menyeluruh mengenai tahyul dan realiti mistik dalam kalangan Generasi Z Malaysia melalui pendekatan berasaskan literatur. Kajian ini tidak melibatkan pengumpulan data empirikal, sebaliknya menggunakan sumber terpilih yang merangkumi karya sarjana tempatan dan serantau dalam bidang akidah, sosiologi agama, kajian budaya serta teori generasi. Analisis literatur menumpukan pembentukan konsep tahyul dan mistik, hubungannya dengan akidah Islam serta pengaruh media digital, globalisasi dan pendidikan agama. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pemikiran tahyul dan trend mistik dalam kalangan Generasi Z Malaysia bersifat dinamik. Kupasan ini bergerak antara penolakan rasional, penyesuaian budaya dan penilaian semula berasaskan kefahaman agama. Selain itu, literatur menekankan bahawa pendedahan kepada media digital dan arus global mempengaruhi cara generasi muda menilai dan mengkritisi kepercayaan tradisional. Artikel ini menyumbang kepada penggayaan perspektif akademik dengan menyediakan kerangka konseptual yang boleh digunakan sebagai asas perbincangan lanjut mengenai hubungan antara budaya, agama dan generasi muda dalam komuniti Muslim kontemporari di Malaysia. Secara keseluruhan, kajian ini menegaskan kepentingan pendekatan analisis konseptual berasaskan literatur dalam memahami perkembangan sosio-agama yang kompleks khususnya apabila pengumpulan data empirikal tidak dijalankan atau tidak diperlukan.

Superstitious beliefs and mystical practices persist in modern societies despite increasing rationalisation, formal education and technological advancement. In Malaysia Generation Z, raised in a digital and multicultural environment, encounters growing exposure to narratives of superstition and mysticism within contemporary socio religious settings. This article presents a conceptual analysis of superstition and mystical discourse among Malaysian Generation Z based on selected scholarly literature. The study adopts a non-empirical approach, drawing on local and regional works in Islamic creed, sociology of religion, cultural studies and generational theory. The analysis examines the conceptual formation of superstition and mysticism, their relationship with Islamic creed, and the influence of digital media, globalisation and religious education. The findings indicate that superstitious and mystical orientations among Malaysian Generation Z are dynamic, shaped by rational rejection, cultural adaptation and religious re-evaluation. Existing literature further suggests that digital media and global influences significantly affect how young people interpret and critique traditional beliefs. This article contributes to scholarly discourse by proposing an integrative conceptual framework for analysing the interaction between culture, religion and youth in contemporary Muslim society. The study highlights the value of literature-based conceptual analysis in addressing complex socio-religious phenomena where empirical investigation is limited or unnecessary.