How Fast Can Malaysian Democracy Gallop Before It Stumbles?
Against all odds, Malaysia saw a change in government in May 2018 for the first time in its history. Should the new government remain stable over the next two years, deep changes in popular culture and civil consciousness, including participation in grassroots politics can be expected.
Malaysia’s apparent failure, since independence in 1957, to live up to its democratic potential had undermined general faith in its ability to be democratic in spirit as well as in form. With a new found vigour and renewed confidence in its democratic institutions, the situation in Malaysia is now about deciding the speed at which its free gallop is maintained for fear of it stumbling.
Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng is the Executive Director of Penang Institute. He was the Deputy Director (2011-2017) of Singapore’s ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, where he had been a fellow since 2004. He is the founder-editor of the popular magazine Penang Monthly and the policy briefs ISSUES (Penang Institute, Malaysia) and ISEAS Perspective (ISEAS, Singapore). He is also editor of Trends in Southeast Asia (ISEAS), and long-time columnist for The Edge Malaysia.
MEET THE SPEAKER
Executive Director of Penang Institute, Deputy Director (2011-2017) of Singapore’s ISEAS –Yusof Ishak Institute
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This event is presented by The HEAD Foundation, a Singapore-based think tank devoted to research and policy influence in education and leadership, for development in Asia.
Admission is free.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the speaker in this talk are their own and do not represent the opinions of The HEAD Foundation.