The appointment of Muhyiddin Yassin as the new prime minister is a move away from democracy in Malaysia, and non-Malays and non-Muslims are likely to suffer for it.
The former Malaysian prime minister has repeatedly tried to delay his trial for corruption. But the new government is committed to making sure he has his day in court.
Malaysia’s former leader is facing charges related to a wide-ranging financial scandal. The new government is sending a message that it’s serious about cleaning up corruption.
With the 92-year-old returning to the prime ministership, Malaysians have a sense of optimism that the suspected “kleptocracy” under former leader Najib Razak will come to an end.
Malaysia’s audacious use of dirty politics and pre-electoral rigging to tilt the level playing field in its upcoming general elections is contributing to a global democratic crisis.
Participants in the latest organised by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections in Malaysia will face a repressive state apparatus as well as an intimidating counter-movement known as Red Shirts.