01 August 1999
WP005 | Continuity and Change In Malaysian Politics: Assessing the Buildup to the 1999-2000 General Elections
Abstract
Given the emergence of the reform movement in Malaysia, speculation has been rife that as Malaysia prepares to take to the polls, the increasing popularity of the reform movement will see the opposition parties blocking the National Front from winning a two-thirds parliamentary majority. This paper argues that because of the current nature of Malaysian politics, the signs of economic recovery, the disorganised nature of the opposition coalition and the ability of the incumbent to use the enture state machinery to support its position, such a scenario seems unlikely for this upcoming election. Nevertheless, the prospect of a two-thirds majority victory for the National Front cannot hide the fact that Malaysian politics may be undergoing some changes, and these changes might pose challenges for the ruling National Front to contend with.
Abstract
Given the emergence of the reform movement in Malaysia, speculation has been rife that as Malaysia prepares to take to the polls, the increasing popularity of the reform movement will see the opposition parties blocking the National Front from winning a two-thirds parliamentary majority. This paper argues that because of the current nature of Malaysian politics, the signs of economic recovery, the disorganised nature of the opposition coalition and the ability of the incumbent to use the enture state machinery to support its position, such a scenario seems unlikely for this upcoming election. Nevertheless, the prospect of a two-thirds majority victory for the National Front cannot hide the fact that Malaysian politics may be undergoing some changes, and these changes might pose challenges for the ruling National Front to contend with.
