ABSTRACT
This chapter explores why the BN experienced a sudden and massive electoral setback in 2008 and how it tried to cope with the spatial dilemma during declining dominance. Through a survey data analysis, it argues that the emerging issue dimension of political reform enabled opposition parties to overcome the cleavage in a traditional ethno-distributive issue dimension. By applying a theory of strategic position-taking, it also explains why the UMNO shifted to a chauvinistic and authoritarian stance and launched massive redistributive programs. The chapter also explains the limitations of this strategic turn, which actually erupted in the 2018 election.
