In the March 2008 General Elections, the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front) lost its two-third majority. It was the first time since independence that the Opposition was able to threaten the BN. This paper looks at the roles played by Anwar Ibrahim, the Opposition and civil society in this historical election, and argues that Malaysian politics will never be the same again. Although race and religion remain the core of the system, cross ethnic voting and the wide use of the internet to campaign may herald in the start of a real competitive electoral system.
About the Authors
James Chin
James Chin is a political scientist and head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at the Malaysian campus of Monash University. A former financial journalist, he publishes extensively on Malaysian and regional politics.
Wong Chin Huat is a lecturer in journalism at the School of Arts and Social Sciences at the Malaysian campus of Monash University and is spokesperson for the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH).
When Abdullah Ahmad Badawi succeeded Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister in 2003, many expected far-reaching change in Malaysia. So far, however, turnover at the top has not led to significant…
