Abstract
This paper explores Malaysia’s political culture emphasizing the political consensus achieved among various ethnic groups whose lifestyle, values and beliefs differ from one another. Given the Malaysian political culture which is very much fragmented, the forming of the Alliance, or National Front (NF), has not only helped reduce ethnic-based conflicts but also manage a government. Within 4 months of taking over the reins from Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has led the country into its 11th general election only to obtain a landslide victory and thus, a bigger mandate as Prime Minister. This provided him the legitimacy of forming a new cabinet along with members whose sole duty is to deliver the goods to a nation of 23.2 million people. What is Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s winning formula? This paper discusses the factors which have led to the NF’s overwhelming victory against a setback of Malaysia’s frayed political culture augmented by its various ethnic groups and societal values. Why has this multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society picked the NF above other political parties? A special focus is given to the sparkling performance of the NF in the recently concluded elections, which saw the defeat of Alternative Front (AF). Having made inroads into the country during the 1999 elections by posing an ideological confrontation, AF effort to end the coalition’s hegemony failed given its poor performance in the last elections. The party failed badly to achieve a consistent change in the society’s acceptance of AF. Using the winning formula as a basis of its study, this paper will give an insight into how the NF can maintain its role as a credible government administrator since its inception in the first 1959 post-independence elections.
Highlights
IntroductionThese are the words that best describe the 2004 Malaysian general elections
United Malays National Organization (UMNO) should be given due respect as during the period after 1999 until the general elections were held, they were in a hostile environment, and seemed to always be in a state of dissatisfaction in the eyes of the people
Many were of the opinion that the ‘gerrymandering’ factor, manipulates the general election rules and 680,000 voters who were unable to vote due to technical factors had enabled BN to win the 1999 general elections. Several other factors such as the visit of the former Prime Minister of China, Zhu Rongji from 22 to 26 November 1999 which coincided with the general election campaign period from 21 to 28 November 1999 which was considered as an endorsement of the Chinese Leadership, on the leadership of Dr Mahathir, tolerance towards Chinese medium schools and the media agenda which stated that the Non-Malays would lose their rights if PAS were to rule and establish an Islamic nation had affected the credibility of the opposition
Summary
These are the words that best describe the 2004 Malaysian general elections. Even though the victories of National Front (NF) were expected, but the extraordinary victory, in particular NF’s performance in the East Coast states indicates the new direction in the country’s political system. From the date of nomination of the candidates on March 21, 2004 and prior to that, everyone was afraid of placing high hopes on NF’s performance especially in the states of Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis whereas in other states, NF was expected to form a state government . Analysts and political observers following the election in these states have a different view and deemed it difficult to threaten the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) position in Terengganu and Kelantan. Changes have again occurred in the political culture, contrary to voting attitude and patterns as seen in 1999
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