Bersih 5 and the Growing Discontent among the Malays

Malik, Maszlee and Hew, Wai weng (2016) Bersih 5 and the Growing Discontent among the Malays. Perspective, 2016 (16). pp. 1-6. ISSN 2335-6677

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Abstract

More than 50,000 people took part in the Bersih 5 demonstration in Kuala Lumpur on 19 November 2016 calling for fair and clean elections. This was despite threats of violence by an opposing group, the arrest of some of the Bersih movement’s key leaders and the blocking of road access by the police.  More significantly, the demonstration showed visibly increased participation by Malays, many of whom were youths. Some of these may have been mobilized or inspired by the Tangkap MO1 (Arrest Malaysian Official 1) rally held in August, organized by university students. Others may have been left-leaning Malay activists.  Factors crucial to the general elections include, the support of Malay youth, for which social media may be an important battleground; the support of rural Malays, where counteracting UMNO’s rural patronage and money politics will be a major challenge for the opposition, and; the presence of strong and efficient Malay leadership among the opposition parties in all the states.  Much will also depend on the ability of the new opposition parties—Bersatu and Amanah—to swing the support of anti-Najib UMNO members and anti-Hadi PAS followers towards them. It will also rely on the ability of various opposition parties to ensure straight fights in the coming general elections.

Item Type:	Article (other)
Additional Information:	3341/54092
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bersih 5, demonstration, fair election, politics
Subjects:	J Political Science > JC Political theory J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh
Depositing User:	Dr Maszlee Malik
Date Deposited:	28 Dec 2016 13:05
Last Modified:	28 Dec 2016 13:05
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/54092

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