Aiding Malaysians – from politicians, civil society and business actors, academics, media practitioners to ordinary citizens – in navigating an unprecedented political landscape: a hung parliament with a post-election coalition government.
The Challenge
Since 2018, when elections brought an end to almost 60 years of single-party rule, progressive political leaders, revitalised civil society organisations, and newly independent media organisations have pushed the country in a more democratic direction. Parliamentary and legislative reforms have improved the integrity of elections and brought increased transparency to political decision-making; changes to voting laws have empowered and mobilised the younger generation.
Yet, due to the lack of precedent, there is some concern now about the viability of a post-election coalition government and questions as to how a coalition of parties thrust together in the aftermath of a vigorously competitive campaign can govern together effectively.
“Malaysia’s only way to promote political stability is through deepening democracy, by making coalition governments and a hung parliament work.”
YB Puan Alice Lau
About Deepening Democracy in Malaysia
Leveraging its expertise and experience from supporting elections and democracy in different parts of the world – including those where coalition governments are common – the Kofi Annan Foundation worked with Bersih and Global Bersih to identify experts and facilitate discussions on several themes critical to Malaysia’s current situation. It did so in partnership with the Office of the Speaker of Parliament, and with the support of the European Union and the High Commissions of Australia and Canada.
In May 2023, we held a two-day Roundtable event at the Parliament of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Participants considered presentations by politicians and academics from countries where post-election coalitions are the norm, and identified practices that may be applicable to Malaysia, including
Strategies to enhance political stability in the context of hung parliaments and how post-election coalitions can effectively build consensus, develop shared policies, and arrive at a common agenda for governance.
The role of Opposition Parties, Backbenchers and Members of Parliament, and the importance of empowering parliamentarians and giving them all the possibility to shape legislation.
The impact of different practices and structures common in parliamentary democracies, such as select committees, shadow cabinets and votes of no confidence.
The impact of traditional and new media; responsibilities of civil society, and the enormous impact of young voters.
Deepening Democracy in Malaysia: Making Hung Parliaments and Coalition Government Work
Learn about the role of media in desseminationg information and discourse about the political sphere of the country. Discover insights about: polarisation, youth enegagement, disinformation and healthy democracy, …
The discussions were rich, covered a lot of ground; and can be viewed again via YouTube. The conference report elaborates in detail on the recommendations and how they can be achieved or implemented in Malaysia. However, it is worth noting some key points that were repeatedly made:
First, constructive competition is healthy and in fact, fundamental to democracy; it is how issues are debated and consensus achieved – it should be welcomed, and it need not descend into chaos or antagonism between parties.
Second, good government needs good opposition, and to effectively operate, Opposition groups need structure, resources and discipline.
Third, while a range of rules and practices can foster healthy parliamentary democracy, the most important is that politicians from all sides share a common system of beliefs and that they all have trust in democratic institutions and in each other. A democratic culture must be nurtured, which also implies civic education.
Fourth, in a country as diverse as Malaysia, all Parties should be prepared to come together and form coalitions. Unfortunately, populism often relies on exacerbating religious, ethnic or nationalistic divides, which undermines democratic progress.
Finally, Malaysia’s only path to political stability is to deepen democracy and make hung parliaments work; but Malaysian democracy needs to reflect Malaysian society and characteristics; it is important for national stakeholders and leaders to listen and learn from others, but also to find their own design of democracy.
“Progress has been driven not only by political leaders, but by many effective and motivated civil society organisations, young people, the media and the citizens of Malaysia.”
Corinne Momal-Vanian
At a Glance
Deepening Democracy in Malaysia
150
Participants, comprising Members of Parliament, senators, ministers and former ministers, foreign experts, embassies representatives, civil society and think tanks leaders, youths, reporters, volunteers, students and organisers took part in the in-depth discussions on the future of Malaysian democracy.
Speakers from Malaysia, Australia, Germany, Canada, Finland and the Philippines exchanged knowledge and insights based on best practices.
24
10k
Almost 10,000 cumulative views on the Parliament of Malaysia’s official YouTube channel via the live streaming.
As Malaysia’s democracy undergoes transition and consolidation, we intend to observe closely and follow-up the conversation from the Roundtable
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