Much at stake in Malaysia's election
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The dissolution of Malaysia's Parliament, which paves the way for the country's general election, marked the completion of a dramatic cycle in its political history. That phase had begun at the last elections of 2008, when the Barisan Nasional (BN) coal
The recast political landscape saw Prime Minister Najib Razak undertaking economic and legal reforms to put the country on a firmer footing. Simultaneously, the winds of change blew swiftly through Malaysia’s wider political culture. An assertive population kept up pressure on the ruling coalition to fulfil its promises, and on opposition politicians to repay voters’ trust.
Alongside the attention given to headline developments on the national stage – like the proposed high-speed rail link and the handling of the Sabah incursion – all eyes were also on the states of Kelantan, Kedah, Selangor and Penang, ruled by the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition. Not only their residents but also other Malaysians wanted to know whether economic growth and hopes of a better life would bear fruit under the stewardship of the opposition.
Malaysia’s political culture has evolved substantially over the past five years. An increased expectation of good governance, stable political structures and pro-growth policies combined with pro-equity measures – yardsticks by which both BN and PR are judged – is a telling reflection of a maturing polity.
Stable politics that is in step with the aspirations of Malaysians for a better future is also what Singapore would want for its closest neighbour, given the long and deep economic and cultural ties cultivated over the years, despite past testy episodes. Bilateral ties are currently excellent and it is hoped they will not be held hostage by myopia, however the campaigns progress and whatever the outcome.
The stakes are high for BN, whose share of parliamentary seats will be treated as a barometer by investors. The electorate will have to choose between it and PR, whose left-leaning platform focuses on achieving more balanced economic development across the country – a change that can be made only if PR gains power at the federal level. Malaysia has made progress in poverty reduction and income gains. There is sufficient momentum to reach its goal of US$15,000 per capita income perhaps ahead of 2020, subject, as always, to the vagaries of politics.
