On November 19, 21.1 million voters will go to the polls for the renewal of the 222 representatives of the Lower House. The Malaysian economy is recovering from the pandemic. However, the relationship between nationalism and immigration, in addition to the relations between Muslim Malays and other ethnic groups, remain the crucial issues for the country.
Kuala Lumpur () – Malaysia is preparing to vote: on Saturday, November 19, the 222 members of the Dewan Rakiat, the lower house of the federal parliament, will be renewed. The contest could clearly mark the crisis of the Barisan National, the coalition formed by UMNO (United Malay National Organization), hegemonic since independence. There are two opposing forces that aspire to have a stable role in the government: Pakatan Harapan Y National Perikatanthe latter with a strong nationalist imprint, led by the party Bersatu of former Prime Minister Mohyiddin Yasin.
On this occasion, the traditional ethno-religious, territorial and ideological issues become somewhat blurred between the rival political groups. The Barisan National it has traditionally catalyzed the vote of Malaysians of rural, Malay and Muslim origin, with policies supporting this component (which corresponds to 62.5% of the 33.5 million Malaysians). However, this time it could see large defections, and the vote could turn to other groups or parties with a more liberal and secular orientation. In the same way, the vote of the Chinese, Indian and indigenous components could be distributed outside the usual political horizon.
The ongoing electoral race is almost certain to be decisive for two figures who have shaped Malaysian politics for decades: one currently in power, the other an eternal rival. Mahathir Mohamad, 97, a former head of government on several occasions and a “great veteran” of politics, is running for the party he founded, the Gerakan Tanah Air, with its “agenda for a new Malaysia”, free from corruption, privilege and abuse of power. On the other hand, there is Anwar Ibrahim, 75, who has been subjected to persecution for a long time that has also cost him years in prison and banishment from politics. On this occasion he tries to confirm a relaunch of his and the federation’s politics Pakatan Harapan to which it belongs. She does it in front of the Parthi Keadilan Rakyatwith a strong base in Kuala Lumpur.
As a background to the games of parties and personalities there are, of course, the fears, the potential and the prospects of one of the most stable countries in Southeast Asia in the economic and diplomatic field, but unstable in the political field.
The Malaysian economy remains active and its economic indicators indicate that it is recovering after the pandemic, rather than a prolonged crisis. This is also indicated by the shortage of labor in industry, agriculture, fishing and construction, which not even the reopening to immigration has managed to counteract.
However, the central themes in the life of the country continue to be the relationship between immigration and nationalism, as well as the centrality of the Muslim Malays with respect to the ethnic and religious mosaic. And this is because the country channels resources, employment and well-being based on political opportunities.
Finally, the monsoon will also have an impact on the vote of the 21.1 million voters: in six states of mainland Malaysia it has caused immense damage and has forced the interruption of the electoral campaign in several areas.
