The 14th General Election (GE14) is distinguished from our elections in at least one way: the opposition coalition will include Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad but no Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), while all previous opposition coalitions since 1990 had included PAS but not Mahathir. This is a radical realignment of the opposition’s rainbow coalition, where PAS’s Muslim nationalism (and hardline Islamism) has been traded in for Tun Mahathir’s economic nationalism (and Bumiputeraism). Some think that this new configuration will fail miserably because most Malays will only choose between the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and PAS, and Islamism will get a boost if PAS emerges victorious in multi-cornered fights and become king-maker in Malay politics. Others fear that the return of Tun Dr Mahathir will mean a reinforcement of Bumiputeraism. In both cases, the fading of an inclusive nationhood threatens.

What are the possible scenarios after GE14? Must Malaysian voters choose between PAS’ Muslim nationalism and Tun Mahathir’s economic nationalism? If the change of the Opposition’s Malay rightwing component is proven to be electorally viable, will it reduce Malay Anxiety and decrease ethno-religious tensions? How will the East Malaysian factor change the equation?

Panellists:

• Dato’Dr Ooi Kee Beng, Pehang Institute
• Dr Johan Ariffin Samad , Borneo G20
• Dr Wang Chin Huat, Penang Institute

Moderator:

• Mr Ian Mcintyre, Journalist

Image by McKay Savage on Flickr.