POLIGOV Article Types and Manuscript Categories
POLIGOV: Malaysian Journal of Policy, Leadership, International & Government Affairs accepts only three manuscript categories. Authors are advised to select the category that best matches the nature, structure, and purpose of their submission.
1. Original Research ArticleWord count: 6,000–8,000 words
This category is intended for manuscripts that present original scholarly research. Such articles should normally include a clear research problem or research question, relevant literature engagement, method, analysis, findings, discussion, and conclusion. Original Research Articles may be empirical, conceptual, comparative, or theoretical, provided that they make a clear academic contribution to the fields of policy, leadership, international affairs, or government studies.
Word count: 2,000–4,000 words
This category is intended for shorter analytical or policy-oriented pieces. A Commentary usually offers a focused argument, critical reflection, or interpretation of a current issue, policy trend, debate, or development. A Policy Brief is generally more practical and solution-oriented, addressing a specific policy problem, governance issue, or public concern with concise analysis and clear recommendations. These manuscripts do not require the full structure of a research article but should remain evidence-informed, intellectually grounded, and relevant to the journal’s scope.
Word count: 1,000–1,500 words
This category is intended for critical reviews of relevant scholarly books in the journal’s field. A Book Review should not merely describe the book, but should also assess its main argument, contribution, originality, strengths, limitations, and relevance to policy, leadership, international affairs, or government studies.
Important Note on Word Count
For all manuscript categories, the word count is inclusive of everything in the manuscript, including:
- title
- abstract
- keywords
- main body of the article
- conclusion
- declarations
- acknowledgements
- list of references
Authors are therefore strongly encouraged to ensure that their submission falls within the relevant word limit before uploading the manuscript to the journal system.
Submission ReminderAuthors should prepare their manuscript according to the journal’s submission guidelines and ensure that the selected manuscript category is clearly reflected in the structure and purpose of the paper.
For further details, please refer to the POLIGOV submission guidelines available on the journal website: https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/POLIGOV/about/submissions
