Mahathir took office as Malaysia’s new prime minister and assumed the helm of a government under the Barisan Nasional coalition since independence .
Malaysia articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, the "2008 electoral gains of the three main opposition parties came despite serious obstacles, such as unequal access to the media and restrictions on campaigning and freedom of assembly, which left them unable to compete on equal terms with the ruling party". Also see our section on World Democracy.
A Year After Malaysia Elections, Fundamental Freedoms Still Restricted
A year after the electoral victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, authorities have failed to reform repressive legislation or expand civic space.
Ex-Malaysia PM Razak on Charm Offensive Before Graft Trial
Ex-Malaysia P.M pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering, over suspected multibillion-dollar fraud.
Sultan Abdullah Installed as Malaysia’s New King
Malaysia’s new king Sultan Abdullah formally assumed the throne during a coronation ceremony Thursday in the southeast Asian country.
Malaysian Royals to Pick New King After Historic Abdication
Malaysia’s royal families will elect a king Thursday after the last monarch abdicated following his reported marriage to a Russian ex-beauty queen.
China’s Vilification Campaign Targeting Dissident Benny Tai
China’s press attacks on DC Author and leading Hong Kong democracy activist Benny Tai and the trial of Tai and his allies are clearly part of a Chinese government campaign to squash his calls for democracy in Hong Kong and on the mainland.
This Year Saw Major Gains for Protection of Human Rights in Malaysia
Malaysia’s human rights make major gains in 2018 after the election of new government that ran on a manifesto promising to make the country’s rights record.
Law Against Criticizing Malaysian Monarchy Proposed
The Malaysian government’s proposed new law to protect the monarchy from “insults” is its latest backtracking on human rights promises.
Palm Oil Lobby Utilizing Tobacco and Alcohol Lobby Tactics
Palm oil industry is deploying tactics similar to those of the alcohol and tobacco industries to influence research into the health effects of its product.
Malaysian King Abdicates in Unexpected and Rare Move
The palace said in a statement that the 49-year-old ruler had resigned as Malaysia’s 15th king with immediate effect. No reason was given in the statement.