ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relations between the elites and masses in Singapore and Malaysia. Specifically, it analyses the ways in which the masses in each country react to the leadership styles and ideologies of the elites and negotiate the power relations between them. The chapter defines “the elites” as those with positions of power and influence to affect the ideological, political or sociocultural norms in their countries. In addition to the opposition's speeches, the short films and theatrical play also highlight policies that discriminate against ethnic minorities. The homogenizing of the elites, internalized in scholarly work, present the most potent challenge to a more nuanced understanding of the empirical reality. The study of religious elites by Noor Aisha proves highly problematic as it makes two assumptions – the treatment of the category of religious elite as an unproblematic and a monolithic bloc, and the relying of national newspapers as a sole resource.
