The impact of the Mahathir - Abdullah Ahmad Badawi transition on civil society politics in Malaysia

Abstract

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's years as Prime Minister have witnessed a sharp rise in civil society consciousness. By late 2007, discontent was expressing itself in paroxysmal street protests reminiscent of Reformasi disturbances in 1998-99. This acceleration in sensitivity to political and social issues has been buoyed by several factors, chief among which is Abdullah's predecessor Dr. Mahathir's unrepentant, indomitable and ceaseless condemnation of what he regards as unforgivable mistakes committed by Abdullah's government. While Dr. Mahathir himself has not joined the fray of civil society activism, his grouses, articulated to the alternative and pro-opposition media, have arguably struck a chord within the populace, encouraging a wave of discontent within civil society. Civil society disillusionment can be traced also to Abdullah's failures to live up to wide expectations, following his impressive triumph at the 2004 elections, of him becoming a 'listening' and 'people-friendly' Prime Minister. As clearly indicated by the outcome of Malaysia's 12th general elections in March 2008, Abdullah has failed to make good on promises which had persuaded the electorate to give a landslide endorsement of his leadership just four years earlier.