A year into Anwar’s government, Malaysia still waits for Reformasi

Structural reforms on economy, governance and democratic freedoms have taken a backseat to political survival.

Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim’s first year at the helm of a multi-coalition government held much promise for his long-suffering backers. PHOTO: ANWAR IBRAHIM/X
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KUALA LUMPUR – Supporters of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ended their 24-year wait to see him finally take Malaysia’s highest office in November 2022, after he was sacked from the deputy prime minister post in 1998.

But their wait continues for “Reformasi” – the galvanising political movement sparked by his downfall that promised social justice and democratic reforms.

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