Comments on: Anwar’s victory boosts Malaysian democracy http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2008/08/28/anwars-victory-boosts-malaysian-democracy/ Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:51:33 +1100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: JK Law http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2008/08/28/anwars-victory-boosts-malaysian-democracy/comment-page-1/#comment-328 JK Law Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:08:28 +0000 http://eastasiaforum.wordpress.com/?p=992#comment-328 As you have rightly pointed out, the most significant effect of Anwar's success (whether or not he eventually forms government) is the much sought creation of a stable 2-party (faction?) system. The lack of a strong opposition since 1957 has resulted in a single party dominating proceedings in Parliament, and in many cases amending the constitution at will (2/3rds of Parliamentary votes are required to alter the Malaysian constitution). The Judicial Crisis of 1988 springs immediately to mind. Good governance can only thrive on a backbone of strong democratic foundations, and Anwar Ibrahim has succeeded in laying the groundwork for that to happen in Malaysia. He has succeeded where past opposition leaders have failed. He deserves much credit for this. As you have rightly pointed out, the most significant effect of Anwar’s success (whether or not he eventually forms government) is the much sought creation of a stable 2-party (faction?) system.

The lack of a strong opposition since 1957 has resulted in a single party dominating proceedings in Parliament, and in many cases amending the constitution at will (2/3rds of Parliamentary votes are required to alter the Malaysian constitution). The Judicial Crisis of 1988 springs immediately to mind.

Good governance can only thrive on a backbone of strong democratic foundations, and Anwar Ibrahim has succeeded in laying the groundwork for that to happen in Malaysia. He has succeeded where past opposition leaders have failed. He deserves much credit for this.

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