ABSTRACT
“New Malaysia,” the leitmotiv of the Malaysian opposition movement from 2016, which won an election that ousted the Najib government, led a unique and fragile power transition. Malaysia was never a full-fledged democracy. A big corruption scandal, leaving the country close to bankruptcy, led to the return of Mahathir, promising to end kleptocracy and bring democracy. Reforms stittered, people grew disenchanted, and there was a resurgence of ethno-religious rhetoric. Attempts at reinforcing national identity came with an atmosphere of defensiveness highlighting symbols of danger to the nation. Without reshaping political culture, democratization stagnated.
