Can a ‘New Malaysia’ emerge while those in power play an old game?

Public optimism rose to fever pitch following this year’s historic election that unseated a ruling coalition which had governed for nearly six decades

But a new year brings with it fresh pessimism that the government of Mahathir Mohamad can deliver on its election promises

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Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad shows his finger marked in ink after voting in May’s general election. Photo: AP

Published: 9:03am, 30 Dec 2018Updated: 7:43pm, 30 Dec 2018

In May this year, an old hand gave Malaysian politics a makeover. Ninety-three year old Mahathir Mohamad led his Pakatan Harapan coalition in ousting the Barisan Nasional – the bloc that had governed the country for much of its history as an independent state.

In the ensuing weeks and months, public confidence in the nation’s institutions rose to fever pitch and optimists began calling the country “Malaysia Baru” or “New Malaysia” after such a historic election.

Supporters celebrate Mahathir’s election victory in May. Photo: Reuters

As part of its promises, Pakatan Harapan cracked down on corruption and overhauled the civil service’s leadership, while working to reduce inequality. The so-called draining of the swamp of players linked to the 1MDB sovereign fund scandal renewed faith in the system.

But the new government also pedalled back on several election promises, much to the dismay of its most ardent supporters.

As the year comes to an end, the shine has come off and some of the old pallor of pessimism is back.

However, Mahathir, at the helm for a second time after ruling from 1981 to 2003, remains hugely popular. He has promised to step down to make way for Anwar Ibrahim – a former protégé who became an enemy but is now an ally once more – within two years, though no concrete succession plan or timeline has been confirmed.

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