State-society relations in Malaysia : from acquiescence to contestation

Abstract

Malaysia has been ruled by a coalition of basically ethnic-based parties ever since Independence, first the Alliance Party of UMNO-MCA-MIC which was then expanded in the early 1970s to become Barisan Nasional. While the 'government' and 'the state' are theoretically two separate but closely intertwined entities, in Malaysia because of the BN's long and uninterrupted hold over state power, it tends to conflate itself as if it is the state. One noticeable consequence of this is that state-society relations has been very much defined by the ruling coalition's definition and demands. While in the main there has been acquiescence on the part of society, tendencies towards contestation have emerged. Nevertheless, in the main, the state-society relations has been held together, enabling Malaysia to continue to project an image of "harmony" and "stability". This paper will examine the question of state-society relations by addressing three questions: (1) What is the nature of the state-society relations in Malaysia? (2) How has the state maintained its control over a multiethnic society and what are its consequences? (3) Is the relationship undergoing change and transformation after 50 years of Independence? If so, what is the direction of change and what are its future prospects?