The Malaysian Malaise: Corrupt Leadership, Failing Institutions, And Intolerant Islamism

Malaysia is blighted with corrupt incompetent leadership, weak failing institutions, and rising intolerant Islamism. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003, and again from May 2018 to February 2020, is most responsible for this degradation.

Reflecting this failed leadership, Malaysia had an unprecedented five Prime Ministers from January 2018 to December 2022. Following the 15th General Election of November 2022, Anwar Ibrahim, Mahathir's deputy in the 1990s until their falling out, became Prime Minister.

Mahathir's protégé Najib Razak, Prime Minister from 2008-2013, was recently jailed for his massive pilfering of One Malaysia Berhad (1MDB), the largest such heist, monetary-wise as well as global reach. In his second reincarnation, Mahathir bequeathed Malaysia with Muhyiddin Yassin. He too was recently arrested for corruption.

Anwar's top priority is fighting corruption. His religious credentials as well as earlier leadership of the Muslim Youth Movement equip him well in tackling rising Islamism as well as the nation's failing institutions.