On Reflection | Malaysia is back from the brink of one-party rot, but Mahathir and Pakatan Harapan must continue to forge ahead as obstacles mount
- The prime minister and former strongman may have finally come to terms with democracy, but his administration must show resolve in striving for legal reforms
- This is the sixth in a series of reflections by well-known Malaysians, a year on from the Pakatan Harapan coalition’s historic election victory on May 9, 2018, that brought about Malaysia’s first change of government
On May 9, 2018, after more than six decades in power, Malaysia’s ruling Barisan Nasional was voted out of office.
Just a few years prior, democracy and the rule of law in the country almost died. At the height of the scandal involving government fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), then prime minister Najib Razak fired dissenters in his cabinet, sacked the attorney general and suspended the permits of media companies.
But the rot synonymous with a toxic one-party system runs deeper and started a long time ago. Institutions meant to hold the executive accountable have long been emasculated. Unfair electoral practices made re-election of the incumbent a foregone conclusion. Freedom of expression was drawing its last desperate breaths.
As a lawyer, it was deeply disheartening to witness the embers of justice and human rights slowly fade into the night.
And then suddenly, regime change happened. It was an emotional experience for many. As tears streamed down our cheeks, Malaysians realised there was hope again.
