Malaysia’s democracy thriving, but let’s not be complacent

 

From Dr Helmy Haja Mydin

Malaysia is an emerging economy with a diverse, Muslim-majority population. Although relatively small in size, she is often held up as an example of how democracy and Islam are compatible bedfellows.

Like many countries across the globe, Malaysia is often affected by events and policies made halfway across the world in Western democracies.

Some of these may be beneficial. America’s trade war has a spillover effect of diverting investment in the booming semiconductor industry to manufacturing sites in Malaysia – and some are less so, like the impact of American Federal Reserve interest rate policies on inflation and foreign currency exchange.

Some of these issues have percolated down to the ground in a by-election recently held in Malaysia following the incumbent’s untimely death from cancer. In the weeks preceding the election in Kuala Kubu Baharu, campaigners focused on topics that one would expect to find in a by-election – from highly localised concerns to more general affairs such as the running of the economy and the performance of the federal government.

In a by-election that saw the governing federal coalition win by a larger than expected margin, the campaigns and the electoral outcome were also noticeable for what did not happen – there was no threat of violence by either side, claims of a stolen election, or threats of insurrection. There were no disputes when the Election Commission announced the winner.

Almost halfway into a year when more than two billion voters will be participating in elections in 50 countries, it is important to recognise and celebrate any demonstration of democracy being alive and thriving. This is especially true as we witness a rollback in democratic practices across the globe, including in countries such as the United States of America that were hitherto its strongest advocates.

The selective use of sanctions and subsidies, geopolitical carrots and sticks, have led to an erosion of trust and loss of moral authority in the West. It is increasingly difficult for countries in the Global South to hear the gospel of democracy and institutional integrity when the high priests appear to cast a blind eye on the tempest within their own walls.

Having a centrist, moderate government is essential for a functioning federal government. The impact of extreme right-wing elements can be seen from examples as diverse as the MAGA movement’s hold on America’s Republican party to the Jewish Power Party’s control of Israel’s governing coalition.

Emerging economies have to look among themselves for rays of hope in an otherwise grey and stormy landscape. Brazilian president Lula da Silva is one such example, where his efforts to improve the lives of his citizens, protect the biodiversity of his country and empower civil society stand in sharp contrast to the rising forces of fascism within his borders.

The same can be said for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Following the country’s general election in 2022, he was able to form a coalition that included former political rivals who were united in celebrating Malaysia’s diversity, in stark contrast to an alternative coalition that was dominated by ultra-conservatives with a populist ethnocentric message.

Although there has been no serious attempts to oust the ruling government, the opposition coalition remains consistent in its efforts to continuously raise the temperature on matters related to ethnic and race relations. In a global economy beset by multiple headwinds, it is easy to find a scapegoat and build narratives around differences in religion or colour of skin.

The results of the by-election therefore allow for a brief moment of celebration. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels – the recent murder of policemen by an individual believed to be a member of Jemaah Islamiyah is a potent reminder of the pockets of extremism that still exist.

The prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, recently opined in a piece for The Economist that the best defence against populism is a combination of developing effective policies, institutional reforms, providing a more social-driven platform and, most importantly, listening and delivering.

For Malaysia, we have to continue our focus on steady economic stewardship that is anchored upon Islamic and social democratic values. We also have to be realistic enough to understand that we will remain susceptible to global forces but we have to stand firm in defence of diversity and democracy, and not fall prey to the temptation of populism.

As democracy goes to the ballot, emerging economies will have to spend less time looking to the West for best practices, and more time modifying present circumstances in preparation for a more fragmented future. - FMT

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is the senior policy adviser of the Social & Economic Research Initiative (www.seri.my).

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of MMKtT.