Challenges facing the new Malaysia / A. Kadir Jasin.
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Organised by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, 24 April 2019.
Title
Challenges facing the new Malaysia / A. Kadir Jasin.
Artist
A. Kadir Jasin, 1947-
Subjects
Language
English
Type
Book
Abstract
Almost one year has passed since Malaysia's sea-changing elections of May 9th. Despite predictions to the contrary, the reconfigured opposition coalition, Pakatan Harapan, swept to power, with former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at its head. Over the last twelve months, the new ruling coalition has had to maintain internal cohesion, negotiate the allocation of ministerial portfolios, begin the process of institutional reforms, and reform the country's complex finances. Malaysia's political context has undergone considerable changes, with: new leadership at the helm of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO); a budding alliance between UMNO and the Islamic party, PAS; and the potential collapse of Barisan Nasional's multi-ethnic consociational model. This seminar assessed the past year for the Pakatan Harapan administration, highlighting key achievements as well as shortfalls. From there, it will identify current challenges facing the administration, both internal to the coalition itself, as well as in Malaysia's wider institutional context. The seminar concluded by analyzing political developments on the ground, particularly the relationship between UMNO and PAS, as well as sentiments among Malay voters.