Malaysia's Post-Election Politics

Malaysia's 13th general elections May 5 were an important test of whether the Barisan Nasional coalition, which has ruled Malaysia for more than five decades, could retain power in the face of an emboldened alliance of opposition parties known as Pakatan Rakyat. Barisan Nasional proved resilient in the main, though its control continued to gradually slide. Meanwhile, Pakatan Rakyat, which made massive gains in the 2008 election, confronted the difficult political realities keeping it from taking power.

The heightened political competition in Malaysia could keep Barisan Nasional focused on reforms to increase stability and growth. However, it is also indicative of emerging divisions among the populace that could eventually threaten stability in one of the region's most stable countries.