18 July 2024
WP342 | Anwar Ibrahim in Power: A Historical Locating of the Limits for Change in Malaysia
Abstract
The last 25 years in Malaysian political history have circled around the personalities of Mahathir Mohamed and Anwar Ibrahim, with several minor (in hindsight) actors playing supportive—or destructive—roles. Although over 20 years apart in age, they have participated in the same protracted play of twists and turns. How is one to make sense of this turbulent series of events? One rationale offered, after Anwar Ibrahim finally became prime minister in November 2022, is the idea he had implanted into public consciousness since 1998: the painful need for Malaysia to reform itself.
But what nature of reforms? The answers have varied in content and intention, especially given the long timeline between 1998 and 2022. This paper highlights the importance of considering political contingencies over time, both in how they shape the broader narrative of Malaysian history, and how political expediencies impact the prioritisation of reforms. Anwar’s hotchpotch Unity Government experiences a strong need to stay in power under fragile political conditions, while retaining its promise to transform governance in the country. In particular, misconceptions about modern nation-building need to be studied and taken seriously.
About the Author
Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng is the Executive Director of Penang Institute, and Visiting Senior Fellow of ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute of which he was once Deputy Director. He is involved in major state committees and institutions in Penang dealing with public policy and policy implementation. He is also adjunct professor at Taylor’s University’s Faculty for Social Sciences. Founder editor of ISEAS Perspective, Penang Monthly, Trends in Southeast Asia, he also runs the Forum for Leadership and Governance (FLAG) in Penang, and managing editor for its South Wing Papers. Homepage: wikibeng.com
Abstract
The last 25 years in Malaysian political history have circled around the personalities of Mahathir Mohamed and Anwar Ibrahim, with several minor (in hindsight) actors playing supportive—or destructive—roles. Although over 20 years apart in age, they have participated in the same protracted play of twists and turns. How is one to make sense of this turbulent series of events? One rationale offered, after Anwar Ibrahim finally became prime minister in November 2022, is the idea he had implanted into public consciousness since 1998: the painful need for Malaysia to reform itself.
But what nature of reforms? The answers have varied in content and intention, especially given the long timeline between 1998 and 2022. This paper highlights the importance of considering political contingencies over time, both in how they shape the broader narrative of Malaysian history, and how political expediencies impact the prioritisation of reforms. Anwar’s hotchpotch Unity Government experiences a strong need to stay in power under fragile political conditions, while retaining its promise to transform governance in the country. In particular, misconceptions about modern nation-building need to be studied and taken seriously.
About the Author
Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng is the Executive Director of Penang Institute, and Visiting Senior Fellow of ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute of which he was once Deputy Director. He is involved in major state committees and institutions in Penang dealing with public policy and policy implementation. He is also adjunct professor at Taylor’s University’s Faculty for Social Sciences. Founder editor of ISEAS Perspective, Penang Monthly, Trends in Southeast Asia, he also runs the Forum for Leadership and Governance (FLAG) in Penang, and managing editor for its South Wing Papers. Homepage: wikibeng.com
