The 1999 General Elections in Malaysia: Towards a Stable Democracy?
Abstract
The 1999 general elections in Malaysia have brought about a significant change in the distribution of partisanship in the electorate. It redefined the relationhips between social groups and party support. It witnessed an assertive role played by various non-governmental organizations and other civil and political forces in the society. The contesting parties debated serious issues at different levels and have accepted the results with grace. The results showed an encouraging movement towards a two-coalition 'turnover' system that allows for deepening democracy in Malaysia.Key words: Democracy, development, elections, Malaysia, political partiesABSTRAKDi Malaysia, pilihanraya umumpada tahun 1999 telah membawa perubahan yang bermakna dari segi taburan penyokong dalam pengundian parti. la memberikan takrifan baru tentang pertalian di antara kumpulan sosial dengan Sokongan terhadap parti. Ia juga turut menyaksikan peranan yang menonjol yang dimainkan oleh badan-badan bukan kerajaan, serta kekuatan-kekuatansivil dan politik lain dalam masyarakat. Parti-parti yang bertanding turut membincangkan isu-isu yang serius pada pelbagai peringkat dan akhimya parti-parti tersebut akur kepada keputusan dun menerimanya dengan tenang. Keputusan pilihanraya menunjukkan terdapat kecenderungan menggalakkan ke arah pembentukan sistem dwi-parti campuran yang memungkinkan pengukuhan sistem demokrasi di Malaysia.Kata kunci: demokrasi, pembangunan, pilihanraya, Malaysia, parti politikReferences
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