The Roles of People’s Politics in Malaysia during 2007-2012 : The Case of Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, Hindu Rights Action Forcel, and Voice of the Malaysian People

Abstract

This study purports to examine the roles and proliferation of the people’s politics in Malaysia during 2007-2012. Its findings show that the people’s politics in Malaysia has been triggered by three political groups namely the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), and the Voice of the Malaysian People (SUARAM). Their strenuous and continuing political movements stimulate the public consciousness with regards to the importance of the people’s politics and accordingly have successfully organized several mass protests of Malaysian people against the government. Key factors involving the expansion of the people’s politics in Malaysia are arguably the encouragement of opposition parties, the civil society organizations, and the non-government organizations all of which have been manifested inthe forms of the administration of the incumbent BN coalition government, pushing requirements involving both inclusive and exclusive issues, joining forces and networking with organizations within and outside the country, and launching campaigns through printing and online media.