In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia

Mohamad Shukri, Syaza Farhana (2023) In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia. In: Democratic recession, autocratization, and democratic backlash in Southeast Asia. Contestations in Contemporary Southeast Asia book series (CCSA) . Springer Nature, Singapore, pp. 93-115. ISBN 978-981-19-9810-2

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Abstract

This chapter examines democratic backsliding in Malaysia in the contemporary era. For decades, particularly under Mahathir Mohamad, UMNO used authoritarian means to maintain control over government institutions. This chapter contends that, since losing power for the first time in 2018, UMNO has had to adopt new tactics to regain control. Both UMNO and the Islamic PAS party have resorted to populism to resurrect the narrative of Malay-Muslims under threat. In adopting this new tactic, elites acknowledge the power of populism, long entrenched in local Islamic discourse, as a means of reinforcing Malay voter support even as the Malays become more politically diverse. Islamist populist rhetoric aimed at Malays has further weakened the civil rights of Chinese and Indian minorities. Malaysia, like other Southeast Asian countries, has seen democratic backsliding in which Malays demand protection of their purported rights at the expense of the minority by employing populist language such as ‘us’ versus ‘them.’ The current ethno-religious discourse has been present for some time, but it is now being reinvigorated in an innovative authoritarian manner. If Islamic populism continues to grow, democratic consolidation may be unachievable, and a hybrid authoritarian government with democratic aspects may be entrenched in Malaysia.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Additional Information:	8365/104110
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamist populism, Authoritarianism, Malaysia. UMNO. PAS, Limbo: Islamist populism. democratic stagnation
Subjects:	J Political Science > JC Political theory > JC49 Islam and Politics J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) > JF2011 Political parties J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia > JQ715 Politics and Government in Malaysia
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Political Science
Depositing User:	Dr. Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2023 11:45
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2023 11:45
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/104110

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• In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia. (deposited 10 Aug 2022 09:24)
  • In Limbo: Islamist populism and democratic stagnation in Malaysia. (deposited 31 Jul 2023 11:45) [Currently Displayed]

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