Secular dealignment and party system transition in Malaysia

Moten, Abdul Rashid (2013) Secular dealignment and party system transition in Malaysia. Japanese Journal of Political Science, 14 (4). pp. 473-497. ISSN 1468-1099 E-ISSN 1474-0060

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Abstract

The Malaysian electoral behaviour has for some time reflected the ‘partisan identification’ thesis. Since 1999, however, there has been a marked shift towards ‘secular dealignment’. Analyses of electoral and survey data reveal that although a significant number of Malaysian voters remained attached to the party they identified with, most of the electorate, however, are swayed by short-term factors. Though the economic issues played a role in the three elections, it is the leadership of the parties supplemented by the use of mass media that played a significant role in swinging the vote from one party to the other. The three elections in 1999, 2004, and 2008 can be categorized as evidence of secular dealignment: the 1999 elections substantially reduced the margin of gain by the ruling coalition; the 2004 elections reversed the opposition gain, while the 2008 elections resulted in the loss of two-thirds majority seats in the parliament habitually enjoyed by the ruling coalition and the emergence of a strong opposition coalition. This trend not merely continued but was much more stronger in the 13th Malaysian general election.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	1667/45432
Uncontrolled Keywords:	secularism, dealignment, party system, transition, Malaysia
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Political Science
Depositing User:	Professor Abdul Rashid Moten
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2015 14:51
Last Modified:	08 May 2016 14:38
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/45432

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