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University of Denver Digital Commons @ DU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 1-1-2013 Assessment of the Performance of a Resilient Hybrid Political System: The Case of Malaysia Siti Z. Razali University of Denver Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd Part of the Asian Studies Commons Recommended Citation Razali, Siti Z., "Assessment of the Performance of a Resilient Hybrid Political System: The Case of Malaysia" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 540. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/540 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at Digital Commons @ DU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ DU. For more information, please contact [email protected],[email protected]. ASSESSMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF A RESILIENT HYBRID POLITICAL SYSTEM: THE CASE OF MALAYSIA __________ A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies University of Denver __________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy __________ by Siti Z. Razali June 2013 Advisor: Jack Donnelly © Copyright by Siti Z. Razali 2013 All Rights Reserved Author: Siti Z. Razali Title: ASSESSMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF A RESILIENT HYBRID POLITICAL SYSTEM: THE CASE OF MALAYSIA Advisor: Jack Donnelly Degree Date: June 2013 Abstract Countries that come out of the “gray zone” during “third wave democratization,” as ambiguous as they may seem politically, may not be a manifestation of a failed democratization attempt. Rather, their “hybrid” characteristics, portraying neither a full democracy nor outright authoritarian practices entrenched in the system, may plausibly serve as a panacea to governing, especially in a troubled state. Many studies that have depicted the “hybrid” political system have focused more on its conceptualization and typology rather than how this kind of regime actually performs and functions. However, studying this regime type only at its surface does not help us to understand the in-depth nature of a hybrid regime nor its political setup. A thorough assessment is needed for this purpose. Therefore, this case study evaluates the performance of the hybrid political system that is practiced in Malaysia. This study assesses the two democratic principles of popular control and political equality, using the assessment framework prepared by the internationally based intergovernmental organization, the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), whose aim is to support sustainable democracy around the world. The method prepared by International IDEA was based on the claim that “democracy is not an all-or-nothing affair” but is a shifting continuum. The IDEA method acknowledges that the democracy practiced in some countries is not perfect and is subject to the country’s historical experiences, demographics, cultures, and realities. ii This study’s results suggest that having partially practiced democratic principles, with support from semi-authoritarian apparatus, produces a political system with both positive and negative components that both facilitate regime transition and democratization as well as reinforce regime incumbency and dampen democratization. This study shows that, ultimately, the interactions between the positive and negative components may produce balancing mechanisms that help to strengthen both the regime’s persistence and the country’s resilience. iii Acknowledgements To my advisors and great professors Jack Donnelly, Martin Rhodes, and Tim Sisk, I thank you for your support and continuous encouragement for me to finish this journey. I shall forever cherish your kindness. To my parents, in-laws, and siblings, thank you for your unconditional love and support and for believing in me. To my friends far and near, thank you for your friendship. To my children, may you learn from my journey the meaning of humility. Last but not the least, to Iq, my rock, thank you from the bottom of my heart. iv Table of Contents List of Figures .................................................................................................................... ix Chapter One: Introduction to the Study .............................................................................. 1 The Research Paradox............................................................................................. 2 Political Hybridity: Analytical Challenges ............................................................. 4 “Hybridity” As an Analytical Tool to Manage Conflict ......................................... 7 Hybrid Political Mechanism in Malaysia ............................................................... 9 Institutions of Control in Malaysia ....................................................................... 10 The Strong State .................................................................................................... 11 Dominant One-Party System ................................................................................ 13 Patron Clientele ..................................................................................................... 15 Elite Strategies ...................................................................................................... 16 Internet and New Social Media ............................................................................. 17 Civil Participation ................................................................................................. 18 Peaceful Social Mobilization ................................................................................ 19 Measuring Democratic Quality in a Hybrid Regime ............................................ 21 The Challenges.......................................................................................... 22 Thesis Statements.................................................................................................. 26 Methodological Framework .................................................................................. 27 How the Framework Works ...................................................................... 30 How To Get the Data and Information? ................................................... 31 Plan of the Dissertation ......................................................................................... 32 Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches and Relevance ..................................................... 37 Understanding Democratization ........................................................................... 37 Modernization Approach .......................................................................... 38 Structuralist Approach .............................................................................. 42 Third Wave Approach............................................................................... 46 Transition Process-oriented Agency Approach ........................................ 48 Resilient Hybrid Regimes ..................................................................................... 52 Measuring Democracy .......................................................................................... 55 International IDEA and Democracy ..................................................................... 59 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 60 Chapter Three: Malaysia’s Political Trajectory Since Independence in 1957 .................. 64 1955....................................................................................................................... 64 1957....................................................................................................................... 65 1959....................................................................................................................... 66 1963....................................................................................................................... 66 1964....................................................................................................................... 66 1965....................................................................................................................... 67 1966....................................................................................................................... 68 1969....................................................................................................................... 69 1971....................................................................................................................... 71 v 1974....................................................................................................................... 72 1978....................................................................................................................... 73 1981....................................................................................................................... 73 1982....................................................................................................................... 75 1986....................................................................................................................... 75 1987....................................................................................................................... 76 1988......................................................................................................................
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