Observations on Malaysia’s 2013 Elections: Trends, Results, and Implications
Abstract:
Malaysia just conducted its 13th General Election. The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition retained power, but saw its lowest-ever share of the popular vote and its smallest Parliamentary majority. Opposition supporters, who called for major changes in Malaysian politics and governance, are disappointed. Yet, what are the implications of the election results for Malaysia's politics and development? Have hopes for post-racial politics and pluralist democracy been dashed, or will they take new direction in the coming years? This talk will offer preliminary reflections on the election and its meaning.
Speaker:
Greg Felker is Associate Professor of Politics at Willamette University. He received his MPA and Ph.D. from Princeton University, and has been a visitor at University of Maryland, Chulalongkorn University, and the University of Western Australia. He has published work on industrial and technology policy making in Malaysia, as well as on the wider comparative and international political economy of Southeast Asia.