COMMENT | Malaysia’s long-lived ethnocracy

COMMENT | A string of political developments have captured the news headlines on a daily basis. 

They include the announcement of a state election in Johor; entry of Warisan in Peninsular Malaysia and Penang; the Tangkap Azam Baki campaign and demonstration; announcement of a new Royal Commission of Inquiry – this time into Tabung Haji; and further delays and new action in court cases of various high profile political leaders.

These developments – and we can expect similar ones in the coming months heading towards the next election –generate much discussion and heat especially over social media with comments by all and sundry providing a blow by blow account and instant analysis.

But will they make much difference in the way the nation is governed and in the policies affecting everyday life?

There is a common thread running through these developments which few of the key political players have pinpointed or even alluded to.

This missing vital thread is that...