Keine Experimente? Die Wahlen zum 10. Malaysischen Parlament vom 29. November 1999

Abstract

The 10th Parliamentary Elections in Malaysia on 29th November 1999 did not furnish any big surprises. The ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front) won 148 seats out of 193, the Barisan Alternatif (Alternative Front) 42 and the PBS in Sabah three: While BN's two-thirds majority remained untouched, its share of seats and of votes fell compared to the elections in 1995. The party of the Malay majority was particularly hard hit. Two northern states - Kelantan and Trengganu - went to PAS and three others - Perlis, Perak and Kedah - saw the BN majority considerably reduced. PAS was generally considered the winner of the elections, UMNO and DAP - whose secretary general lost his constituency - counted as the losers. The election campaign had been dominated by the issue of the sacking and prosecution of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which led to complaints about insufficient legitimacy and transparency of the government as well as nepotism and corruption. The Malays remained polar394 Summaries ised whereas the Chinese and Indians followed Mahathir's appeal to support him. One of the main tasks for Mahathir is to reintegrate and reunite the Malays. It is probable that the quiet times in Malaysian politics are over, though on the surface little has changed. Debates and controversies may be acted out within the governing coalition and not between government and opposition.