GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES | Second Quarterly 2013 – North America ...

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES - SECOND QUARTERLY 2013
The government – led at the time by the father
of Malaysia’s independence, Tunku Abdul
Rahman – suspended parliament and the
constitution. A new constitution with restrictions
on public discussion (outside parliament)
of explosive ethnic issues was
adopted, as were new economic policies designed
to placate the Malay majority while also
providing opportunities for the almost
proverbially hardworking minority Chinese.
Between then and now, Malaysia went
through a successful economic transformation,
and its successes are widely touted
among international investors. But the country
also saw the spread of public unrest over
allegations of corruption in public life and
fears that a restrictive streak in national politics
was growing. The poor-rich gap widened.
On the eve of this year’s election The Economist
wrote that the opposition would “never
have a better chance than now” to unseat the
government which has been in office for 56 consecutive years. When the votes were counted,
however, it was clear that the chance was lost. The government remained in power, although
the voting figures were skewed.
The ruling and victorious government coalition secured 47.38 percent of the vote while the
defeated opposition coalition had 50.87 percent. More important, however, is the ethnic polarization
that characterized the election campaign and could dominate national life unless
Prime Minister Najib Razak is able to develop a healing touch. The overall ethnic breakdown
is: Malay – 50.4 percent, Chinese – 23.7, Indigenous – 11, Indian – 7.1, and Other – 7.8.
Pakistan: Sharif Gets Another Chance
A Pakistani military leader told a group of American legislators several years ago that “democracy
is for phlegmatic people like the British.” He obviously did not consider his own
countrymen and women sufficiently phlegmatic to qualify for democracy. Now, a new generation
in Pakistan appears determined to show that Pakistan can grapple with the challenge
of establishing democracy.
The June 5 election of Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister, backed by a majority in the National
Assembly, resulted in the transfer of power from one democratically elected party to another.
This is a historic moment for the country.
Now, as a local commentator has said, comes the hard part. Sharif who has been Prime Minister
twice before well knows both the promise and peril of the responsibilities entrusted to
him. Problems requiring resolution include economic development in a country where the
power supply is so poor that 20-hour blackouts have been experienced. Security questions
ranged from concern over the use of US drones in his country to the continuing activities of
the Taliban. Neighborly relations are, as always, in a state of flux.
A complex agenda; but, then, he wasn’t compelled to seek the office he holds. (Global Perspectives
| June 2013)
Picture top right: Malaysis’s first PM Tunku Abdul Rahman
Credit: tunkuabdulrahman.com
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