Malaysia’s political theatre: it’s all about power

[superadmin]

From Murray Hunter

There is one thing in common with the “Sheraton Putsch” that removed Pakatan Harapan from power, the substitution of Muhyiddin Yassin with Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister and the dissolution of the state assemblies of Sabah, Melaka, and now, Johor.

These events were solely about who should rule. They were not about any fundamental disagreements over policy. They were tactical lunges for power.

The Malaysian political arena is structured in such a way that encourages power plays. Government and politics in Malaysia require various parties to collaborate on mutual objectives, yet compete with each other at the same time. Alliances are made and broken on a regular basis on both sides of politics.

The Malay political environment is influenced by history, a resulting culture that resonates a disposition towards power fixation, a consistent behaviour to these beliefs, and corresponding outcomes based upon power dynamics.

- More -