MALAYSIAN voters should be commended and respected by their neighboring countries for their political maturity, which allows the country to determine its own path. This was evident in the recent peaceful and fair state elections.
The voters reaffirmed their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government and its campaign promises of economic reforms, reducing inequality, and improving the well-being of the population.
Compared to other ASEAN member states, Malaysia stands out as a nation that is relatively free from military influence or dominance. The stability of Anwar’s government is crucial not only for Malaysia but also for ASEAN, given that neighboring Indonesia and Singapore will soon have new leaders.
Indonesia will hold legislative and presidential elections in February 2024, while Singapore will have a parliamentary election in 2025, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expected to hand over to his deputy, Lawrence Wong.
Malaysia’s imperfect democracy serves as a positive example for other ASEAN countries with military dictatorships or limited civil liberties. However, the commitment to a region that values freedom under the Asean Community 2025 remains largely on paper.
In the August 12 elections, Malaysian voters in six states on the peninsula chose to maintain the status quo of Anwar’s ruling coalition and the conservative Muslim Opposition in three strategic states. The state elections were widely seen as a referendum on Anwar and the Opposition’s resilience.
Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition emerged victorious in its strongholds of Negri Sembilan, Penang, and Selangor, even though the Opposition gained more seats. The opposing Perikatan Nasional coalition maintained control in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
Opposition leader Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, a former prime minister, demanded that Anwar step down after the Opposition secured 60% of the total assembly seats in the six states.
The election results provided relief for Anwar, as his federal government can now complete its five-year term until 2027. Anwar’s political stability is expected to attract investors and reassure the business community.
Anwar’s priorities as prime minister include economic and institutional reforms, higher taxes for the wealthy, and easier company-listing rules. However, his proposal to abolish the death penalty faces resistance from the public, who view capital punishment as an effective deterrent against drug crimes.
After learning the state election results, Anwar made an appeal for all parties, winners or losers, to work together to protect national peace, elevate the country’s dignity, and focus on Malaysia’s development.
In November, Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan alliance won the most seats but failed to secure a majority. With the mandate of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Anwar formed a government by forging a coalition with the once-powerful Umno of the Barisan Nasional coalition and other smaller parties.
Anwar has been at the center of political controversy since 1998 when he was seen as the successor to then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad before being sacked and imprisoned on corruption and sodomy charges. Anwar is known for his multiethnic, inclusive, and tolerant approach, although some Malays view him as too liberal and pro-minority groups, particularly the Chinese and Indians. In Malaysia, all Malays are Muslims by constitutional mandate, and Islam is the official religion, with Malays comprising over two-thirds of the population.
We hope that the legitimacy granted to Anwar by the Malaysian people until 2027 will bring unity to the multi-ethnic country and prosperity for all, as promised during the last year’s election campaigns. – The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network
Credit: The Star : News Feed
