Konservatisme dalam Politik UMNO (Conservatisme In UMNO Politics)

Abstract

This article debates the relationship of conservatism in Malaysian politics, especially in the practice of the dominant party, the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional. It suggests that the institutionalization of conservatism is the party's focal element, as clearly illustrated in its character and survival as a party that strives to maintain the status quo. This is explained more precisely by the idea of Asian Values that overlaps significant with the ideology of conservatism. Under the Premiership of Mahathir Mohamad (1981-2003), conservatism was consolidated through the belief that political change or regime change would disrupt stability and development. By and large, the study of conservatism remains neglected. No systematic study has been done on the penetration of conservatism in UMNO's political psychology. By looking at the question of resistance to change in the era of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2003-2009), conservatism can be put forward as a theoretical framework in understanding intra-elite dynamics within UMNO in the face of political reform.