1 - Introduction

Summary

Malaysia is generally described as a prime example of a society severely divided along ethnic lines and most observers agree that ethnic conflict has been, and still is, one of the most distinctive sources of political conflict. Malaysia, nonetheless, is one of the few plural societies that has achieved some measure of success in managing ethnic conflict and has enjoyed relative political stability since independence in 1957. Given this record, many studies of politics in Malaysia examine the development of political structures and processes which regulate conflict situations and achieve political stability. These approaches have analysed how ethnic-conflict management strategies have been applied to different situations but they have not given adequate attention as to how such strategies have changed to meet changing circumstances. This book examines how the ruling political élite in Malaysia, especially UMNO (United Malays National Organization) and Mahathir, has been able to maintain its political hegemony while achieving relative political stability in a severely fragmented society over the last few decades. In particular, this book is concerned with the link between a dynamic conflict structure and regime maintenance strategies in Malaysia.

The study assumes that the conflict structure challenging or undermining the maintenance of the regime in Malaysia has been changing since independence in 1957. And, the period of changing conflict configurations provides opportunities for a fresh look at the nature of the ruling political élite's regime maintenance strategies. An assumption throughout lies in the nature of power politics, that those who enjoy positions of power in the apparatus of the state are unlikely to give up their power willingly. Although the UMNO-led ruling élite has adapted to the changing expectations of Malaysian society, the single most important motive for regime change and regime maintenance has been to sustain its own political power.