State elections in Malaysia present the first test of Anwar government
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Friday, August 11, 2023
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Six of the 13 states in the Malaysian Federation are holding elections.
Key Points:
- Six of the 13 states in the Malaysian Federation are holding elections.
- But precisely because the past five years of federal politics in Malaysia have seen unprecedented instability and uncertainty, these state polls represent a test of faith in the new government of Anwar Ibrahim.
A turbulent history
- For most Malaysians, BN was the only conceivable option for economic and social stability in a multi-ethnic country built around communal politics.
- Six decades of unchallenged UMNO power produced rentier politics and systemic nepotism that hollowed out meritocracy and accountability.
- While he was in jail, Anwar’s wife Wan Aziza founded Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR - the People’s Justice Party).
- She also helped lead the reformasi movement, inspired by the movement that had contributed to the ending of the Suharto regime in Indonesia.
- After the November 2022 general elections, a hung parliament meant multiracial Malaysia came very close to having an almost entirely Malay government.
Where to now?
- Anwar’s February budget was well-received and his government so far appears largely credible and sensible, despite some disappointing compromises.
- The future of Malaysian politics has never before been so open.
- Old certainties, such as the unshakeable dominance of BN, have dissolved, along with former understandings of how communal politics works in Malaysia.