Anwar Ibrahim’s rise to power as Malaysia’s Prime Minister in late 2022 was marked by a sense of triumph among reformists. After decades of political struggle, imprisonment, and perseverance, his electoral victory seemed to signify a turning point for Malaysia’s democratic aspirations. The “reformasi” movement, initially spearheaded by Anwar in the late 1990s, aimed to bring sweeping changes to the country’s political and economic systems, fighting against corruption, cronyism, and racial inequities. His election was thus seen as the embodiment of this long-held reformist vision, promising a new era for Malaysian governance.
However, less than two years into Anwar’s tenure, the enthusiasm surrounding his administration has waned. Observers and civil society organizations, including the influential Bersih coalition, have begun to express disappointment with the pace and scope of reforms. The slow movement on critical issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and judicial independence has led to growing disillusionment among those who once championed Anwar’s leadership. This disconnect between expectations and reality highlights the challenges faced by reformist leaders operating within entrenched political systems.
Discontent Among Former Allies
The sense of disillusionment is most acutely felt among Anwar’s former allies in the Bersih civil society coalition, which has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s slow pace of reform. In June 2024, Bersih gave the Anwar administration an ‘F’ grade for its perceived failure to enact meaningful changes. This public rebuke from a group that was once a strong supporter of Anwar underscores the widening gap between the government and the civil society sector. The frustrations are not limited to political reforms but extend to economic policies and the handling of high-profile corruption cases.
Observers have highlighted several contentious issues, including the reduced prison sentence for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, convicted of embezzling public funds, and the dropping of corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi. These decisions have not only tarnished the government’s reformist image but have also led to allegations that Anwar is compromising his principles to maintain political stability. As a result, a growing number of civil society organizations have joined Bersih in their criticism, indicating a broader dissatisfaction with the direction of the reformasi movement.
This dissatisfaction is reflected in public opinion polls, which show a significant decline in Anwar’s approval ratings. In October 2023, less than a year after his election, Anwar’s approval dropped to 50% from a high of 68% in December 2022. Additionally, 60% of respondents believed Malaysia was heading in the wrong direction. These figures suggest a rapidly eroding base of support, with many Malaysians feeling let down by the slow pace of change. The data illustrates the growing gap between the expectations of reform and the perceived reality under Anwar’s leadership.
Yet, despite the apparent discontent, large-scale anti-government protests have been conspicuously absent. Unlike the mass mobilizations that marked the peak of the reformasi movement, recent demonstrations organized by Bersih have failed to attract significant participation. One explanation for this lack of mass mobilization is the absence of credible political alternatives. Since the historic fall of the Barisan Nasional government in 2018, Malaysians have experienced leadership from various major party coalitions, none of which have fully committed to transformative change. Anwar’s perceived failure to deliver on reform promises may have led to a pervasive sense of hopelessness regarding the possibility of meaningful change.
Grassroots Movements and Civil Society
The decline in grassroots political activism is another critical factor contributing to the disillusionment with Anwar’s government. During the height of the reformasi movement, civil society organizations like Bersih played a vital role in mobilizing public support and challenging the status quo. These organizations, along with opposition parties, effectively galvanized the public by transcending traditional racial and religious divides. However, the current political landscape is less conducive to such activism. The failure to attract mass participation suggests that grassroots organizations may be struggling to resonate with the public without the backing of influential political parties like Anwar’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Additionally, the fractured nature of Malaysian politics, marked by frequent political realignments and shifting alliances, has further weakened the influence of civil society. The events leading up to the Sheraton Move in 2020, which resulted in the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government, exemplify the volatility of Malaysian politics. These political maneuvers have led many voters to perceive the system as inherently flawed, fueling skepticism about the potential for genuine reform through grassroots mobilization alone.
A significant challenge to Anwar’s reform agenda lies in the complex coalition politics that define Malaysia’s current government. Anwar’s coalition, Pakatan Harapan, has entered into a marriage of convenience with its traditional rival, Barisan Nasional, in a bid to secure political stability. This alliance has necessitated compromises that have, in turn, hampered the ability to pursue bold reforms. Anwar’s dependence on coalition partners has resulted in concessions that contradict the principles of the reformasi movement, such as leniency in high-profile corruption cases.
The coalition’s dynamics reflect the difficulty of balancing political pragmatism with reformist ideals. Anwar’s attempts to maintain a stable government in Malaysia’s highly volatile political environment have come at the cost of alienating reformist supporters. This delicate balancing act has left him vulnerable to criticism from both sides—those who accuse him of betraying the reformasi agenda and those who fear the instability that more aggressive reforms might provoke.
Structural Barriers to Reform
Another layer of complexity is added by Malaysia’s socio-economic structure, which is deeply intertwined with race-based policies. These policies, intended to address historical inequalities, have also entrenched divisions and created powerful vested interests resistant to change. Anwar’s government faces the daunting task of navigating these entrenched systems while attempting to introduce reforms that may be seen as threatening by influential segments of society. The reformasi movement’s aspiration for a more just and equitable society is thus constrained by the realities of Malaysia’s socio-economic landscape.
The intricate network of race-based quotas, subsidies, and affirmative action policies presents a significant hurdle for any government seeking comprehensive reform. The challenge is to introduce changes that promote greater fairness and transparency without alienating key constituencies or triggering social unrest. This balancing act is a testament to the complex interplay between political power, economic interests, and social cohesion in Malaysia.
The opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional, has capitalized on these challenges by focusing on destabilizing Anwar’s government rather than offering constructive alternatives. This approach has left civil society organizations as the primary agents pushing for accountability and transparency. However, their influence is limited by their inability to mobilize widespread public support. Fear of political instability, coupled with a lack of faith in alternative leadership, has dampened the public’s willingness to participate in mass protests.
Civil society’s role in advocating for reform is further complicated by the perception that any weakening of Anwar’s government could lead to a resurgence of conservative forces. This delicate situation has led to a cautious approach by CSOs, who seek to hold the government accountable while avoiding actions that could inadvertently empower political forces opposed to the reformasi agenda. The challenge is to strike a balance between advocating for change and maintaining political stability.
Despite these challenges, the Anwar administration’s current trajectory may have long-term implications for Malaysia’s political landscape. The declining public trust in Anwar’s government, fueled by slow reforms and perceived compromises, could weaken his position in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Anwar’s ability to maintain his coalition’s support will be critical in determining his government’s longevity and effectiveness. If the public continues to perceive the government as failing to deliver on its reform promises, Anwar may struggle to retain power.
Addressing the root causes of public discontent will be essential for Anwar’s political survival. Implementing even modest reforms that demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability could help restore public confidence. This requires a delicate balancing act, navigating coalition politics, managing public expectations, and addressing Malaysia’s complex socio-economic challenges. The question remains whether Anwar can pivot and realign his government’s priorities to meet the reformasi aspirations that brought him to power.
Opportunities for Restoring Trust: Civil Society Moving Forward
Anwar’s government still has time to recalibrate its approach and regain public trust. The February 2024 subsidy reforms, aimed at reallocating resources to the most vulnerable segments of society, represent a potential blueprint for future actions. These reforms, despite the risk of political backlash due to rising prices, demonstrate a willingness to make difficult decisions in the interest of fairness and equity. If Anwar can continue to implement policies that align with the core principles of the reformasi movement, he may be able to reignite the public’s belief in his leadership.
These initiatives need to be complemented by a broader strategy that addresses key concerns such as corruption, judicial independence, and economic inequality. Transparent communication of policy goals, coupled with tangible actions, will be crucial in shifting public perception. By focusing on incremental yet impactful reforms, Anwar can build a track record that showcases his government’s commitment to the reformasi agenda, even within the constraints of coalition politics.
Civil society organizations like Bersih will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Malaysia’s reformasi movement. Their continued advocacy for transparency, accountability, and good governance is essential in holding the government accountable. As Malaysia approaches the 2027 elections, the actions and positions of CSOs will serve as a barometer of public sentiment and a check on political power. Their engagement with the electorate, particularly in educating and mobilizing citizens, will be crucial in maintaining the momentum for reform.
CSOs must also adapt to the evolving political landscape, finding new ways to engage with the public and influence government policy. Building coalitions, leveraging social media, and developing grassroots campaigns that resonate with a broad audience will be vital strategies. By maintaining a focus on the core principles of reformasi, civil society can continue to be a powerful force for change in Malaysia, even in the face of political challenges.
Malaysia stands at a critical juncture, with the reformasi movement’s future hanging in the balance. Anwar Ibrahim’s government faces the dual challenge of meeting the high expectations set by his reformist agenda and navigating the complex realities of coalition politics. The growing disillusionment among civil society and the public underscores the urgency of meaningful reform. However, the constraints imposed by political alliances, socio-economic structures, and opposition tactics make the path forward fraught with difficulty.
For Anwar to succeed, he must strike a balance between maintaining political stability and delivering on the promises of reformasi. This will require not only political acumen but also a genuine commitment to the principles that brought him to power. As Malaysia moves towards the next general election, the actions of Anwar’s government and the response of civil society will determine whether the reformasi vision can be realized or if it will remain an unfulfilled promise. The journey towards meaningful change continues, with the hopes and aspirations of millions of Malaysians resting on the outcomes of this crucial period.
