Malaysia’s Democratic Transition Amidst Rising Southeast Asia

Malaysia is at an interesting juncture right now. In 2018, Malaysians voted out the Barisan Nasional government that was once thought invincible and had ruled the country since its independence. Then there was a period of political instability since Langkah Sheraton until about a week after GE15. Now, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the helm, things have finally stabilised. 

In an article for The Lowy Institute, Ooi Kok Hin argues that Malaysia’s democratic transition is an important case for Southeast Asia and the Muslim-majority world and that the country has the potential to lead regional democratic discourse during its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. 

So, what are the opportunities that lie ahead? We speak to Kok Hin.

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