DOCSLIB.ORG

The Case of Malaysia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Case of Malaysia 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......................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Alternative Digital Movies As Malaysian National Cinema A
    Unfolding Time to Configure a Collective Entity: Alternative Digital Movies as Malaysian National Cinema A dissertation presented to the faculty of the College of Fine Arts of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Hsin-ning Chang April 2017 © 2017 Hsin-ning Chang. All Rights Reserved. 2 This dissertation titled Unfolding Time to Configure a Collective Entity: Alternative Digital Movies as Malaysian National Cinema by HSIN-NING CHANG has been approved for Interdisciplinary Arts and the College of Fine Arts by Erin Schlumpf Visiting Assistant Professor of Film Studies Elizabeth Sayrs Interim Dean, College of Fine Arts 3 ABSTRACT CHANG, HSIN-NING, Ph.D., April 2017, Interdisciplinary Arts Unfolding Time to Configure a Collective Entity: Alternative Digital Movies as Malaysian National Cinema Director of dissertation: Erin Schlumpf This dissertation argues that the alternative digital movies that emerged in the early 21st century Malaysia have become a part of the Malaysian national cinema. This group of movies includes independent feature-length films, documentaries, short and experimental films and videos. They closely engage with the unique conditions of Malaysia’s economic development, ethnic relationships, and cultural practices, which together comprise significant understandings of the nationhood of Malaysia. The analyses and discussions of the content and practices of these films allow us not only to recognize the economic, social, and historical circumstances of Malaysia, but we also find how these movies reread and rework the existed imagination of the nation, and then actively contribute in configuring the collective entity of Malaysia. 4 DEDICATION To parents, family, friends, and cats in my life 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor, Prof.
    [Show full text]
  • Pm: Learn Good Moral Values
    PM: LEARN GOOD MORAL VALUES By HOHAtZAO A RAHIM PETALING JAVA: A "get-rich-quick" cul• ture evolving in the country has damaged society^ moral and ethical values, Datuk Sen Dr Mahathir Mohamad said. This culture must be contained and this could be done through education, the Prime Minister said yesterday. "It must be done away with and replaced with one that gives priority to long-term gams." he said when opening the Sunway College and a waterpark. He said the alternative culture should also take into consideration society's interests over the indi• vidual's. While education would help, he said, emphasis must be given to instilling moral and ethical values in people's pursuit for higher education. Dr Mahathir added that the country did not want to produce people without values as when they gained knowledge, they could turn out to be "edu• cated criminals." "With the increasing rate of white-collar crime, we must instil good values through education. "No matter how progressive a society is, it may not be able to sustain itself if such values are not part of education," he said. Dr Mahathir added that not all parents and the public knew what was good or bad for society. Thus, the belief that parents would naturally inculcate ALL IN ONE... chairman Musa briefs Dr Mahathir on Bandar Sunway. — STARpic by ABDULLAH SUBIR moral and ethical values in children was not true. He also cautioned the people against being too contented with the peace and harmony among the country's multiraci^ society. "Malaysia is now an example to other multiracial countries on how peace and harmony can be achieved.
    [Show full text]
  • Malaysia's Security Practice in Relation to Conflicts in Southern
    LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE Malaysia’s Security Practice in Relation to Conflicts in Southern Thailand, Aceh and the Moro Region: The Ethnic Dimension Jafri Abdul Jalil A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations 2008 UMI Number: U615917 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Dissertation Publishing UMI U615917 Published by ProQuest LLC 2014. Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Libra British U to 'v o> F-o in andEconor- I I ^ C - 5 3 AUTHOR DECLARATION I certify that all material in this thesis which is not my own has been identified and that no material has previously been submitted and approved for the award of a degree by this or any other University. Jafri Abdul Jalil The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. Quotation from it is permitted provided that full acknowledgment is made. This thesis may not be reproduced without prior consent of the author. I warrant that this authorisation does not, to the best of my belief, infringe the rights of any third party.
    [Show full text]
  • The Sporting Edge
    July–Sept 2011 www.malaysianbar.org.my Chronicle of the Malaysian Bar The Sporting Edge PLUS A First Class Legal Profession Akta Orang Kurang Upaya 2008, Harapan dan Realiti Report by Bar Council Monitoring Team on 9 July 2011 Public Rally In collaboration with For Malaysian Bar circulation only TEANA_Praxis_blank.ai 1 9/06/11 10:46 Rob Contents PRAXIS Contents CHRONICLE OF THE MALAYSIAN BAR President’s Message Readers’ Comments Editorial Features/Articles BAR COUNCIL MALAYSIA 7 A First Class Legal Profession BAR COUNCIL 12 Co-extensive Liability vs Indefi nite Liability 15 Leboh Pasar Besar 50050 Kuala Lumpur 16 Akta Orang Kurang Upaya 2008, Harapan dan Realiti Tel No: 603-2050 2050 Fax No: 603-2026 1313 / 603-2034 2825 / 603-2072 5818 20 The 6th Annual International Bar Association Email Add: [email protected] Website: http://www.malaysianbar.org.my Bar Leaders’ Conference — A Commentary 22 Unwinding a Winding Up? MEMBERS OF BAR COUNCIL MALAYSIA 2011/2012 24 Long Call Speech President: Lim Chee Wee Vice-President: Christopher Leong 26 Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan Secretary: Tony Woon Yeow Thong Treasurer: Steven Thiru Events Aaron Abraham | Ahmad Taufiq b Baharum | Amirruddin b Abu Bakar | Anand Ponnudurai Andrew Khoo Chin Hock | Aziz b Haniff | Brendan Navin Siva | Desmond Ho Chee Cheong 29 Disruption Day Workshop Dipendra Harshad Rai | George Varughese | Gnasegaran s/o Egamparam | S Gunasegaran Hendon Mohamed | Hon Kai Ping | K Mohan K Kumaran | Kanarasan Ghandinesen 30 Visit to Singapore Coroner’s Court and Maxwell
    [Show full text]
  • TITLE Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program: Malaysia 1995
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 405 265 SO 026 916 TITLE Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program: Malaysia 1995. Participants' Reports. INSTITUTION Center for International Education (ED), Washington, DC.; Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange, Kuala Lumpur. PUB DATE 95 NOTE 321p.; Some images will not reproduce clearly. PUB TYPE Guides Non-Classroom Use (055) Reports Descriptive (141) Collected Works General (020) EDRS PRICE MFO1 /PC13 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Area Studies; *Asian History; *Asian Studies; Cultural Background; Culture; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Foreign Culture; *Global Education; Human Geography; Instructional Materials; *Non Western Civilization; Social Studies; *World Geography; *World History IDENTIFIERS Fulbright Hays Seminars Abroad Program; *Malaysia ABSTRACT These reports and lesson plans were developed by teachers and coordinators who traveled to Malaysia during the summer of 1995 as part of the U.S. Department of Education's Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program. Sections of the report include:(1) "Gender and Economics: Malaysia" (Mary C. Furlong);(2) "Malaysia: An Integrated, Interdisciplinary Social Studies Unit for Middle School/High School Students" (Nancy K. Hof);(3) "Malaysian Adventure: The Cultural Diversity of Malaysia" (Genevieve M. Homiller);(4) "Celebrating Cultural Diversity: The Traditional Malay Marriage Ritual" (Dorene H. James);(5) "An Introduction of Malaysia: A Mini-unit for Sixth Graders" (John F. Kennedy); (6) "Malaysia: An Interdisciplinary Unit in English Literature and Social Studies" (Carol M. Krause);(7) "Malaysia and the Challenge of Development by the Year 2020" (Neale McGoldrick);(8) "The Iban: From Sea Pirates to Dwellers of the Rain Forest" (Margaret E. Oriol);(9) "Vision 2020" (Louis R. Price);(10) "Sarawak for Sale: A Simulation of Environmental Decision Making in Malaysia" (Kathleen L.
    [Show full text]
  • Law Research Report Contents Final.Indd
    Faculty of Law 2005 Research Report Contents Message from the Associate Dean (Research) 1 Funded Research 2 Grants Commencing in 2005 3 Selected Grants in Progress 6 Grants Completed in 2005 9 Centres and Institutes 16 Asia Pacifi c Centre for Military Law 17 Asian Law Centre 20 Centre for Employment and Labour Relations Law 23 Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies 26 Centre for Corporate Law and Securities Regulation 28 Centre for the Study of Contemporary Islam 30 Institute for International Law and the Humanities 32 Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia 34 The Tax Group 36 Centre for Media and Communications Law 38 Academic Research Profi les 39 Jeremy Gans 40 Loane Skene 42 Miranda Stewart 44 Published Research 46 Journals and Newsletters 57 Journal Affi liations 61 Faculty Research Workshop 68 International Research Visitors Scheme 72 Student Published Research Prize 73 Academic Staff 74 Research Higher Degrees Completed in 2005 84 Research Higher Degrees in Progress 85 Message from the Associate Dean (Research) Faculty of Law 2005 Research Report 1 Message from the Associate Dean (Research) It is a great pleasure to present the 2005 Research Report, topics discussed at the Faculty Research Workshop convened which provides an overview of the research activities in the by Associate Professor Andrew Kenyon during 2005. Faculty of Law during 2005. The Faculty’s Research Higher Degree (RHD) candidates In 2005 Faculty members began work on nine new research make an important contribution to the Faculty’s research projects funded by the Australian Research Council. Details endeavours. Sixteen of the Faculty’s RHD candidates of those projects are provided in this report, along with an successfully completed their theses in 2005, making it a update on two funded projects in progress and the outcomes particularly successful year for our RHD program.
    [Show full text]
  • EY KL Calling 2020
    KL calling: dynamic, digital, diverse Investors guide Foreword The next phase of Kuala Lumpur’s growth is pivoting towards next-gen industries, including Industry 4.0. In recent years, Kuala Lumpur has garnered investments from high-tech multinational corporations in advanced medical technologies, digital e-platforms, Internet of Things, robotics and higher-value Global Business Services. Malaysia’s world-class infrastructure, supportive government policies and agencies Dato’ Abdul Rauf Rashid and future-ready digital talent proficient in EY Asean Assurance Leader English and Asian languages continue to Malaysia Managing Partner attract international businesses to establish Ernst & Young PLT their regional headquarters and centers in Kuala Lumpur. Beyond 2020, I envision that Kuala Lumpur will holistically evolve to become a smart digital city, driven by a balanced community purpose, i.e., to serve its residents’ needs and systemically improve common facilities and amenities for the well-being of Malaysians, business residents, expatriates and international visitors. Malaysia welcomes investors to recognize Kuala Lumpur’s 3 D strengths: dynamic, digital, diverse, and participate in Kuala Lumpur’s next exciting transformation! Selamat datang ke Kuala Lumpur! KL calling: dynamic, digital, diverse | 1 Our strategy is to be as close as “possible to our customers to understand their needs and to Malaysia’s fundamentals remain develop suitable products and “ solutions to fulfil their strong and attractive to investors. requirements. As the region’s most competitive manufacturing Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, powerhouse, Kuala Lumpur we remain in active discussions emerged as a natural favorite. with potential investors. Although some investors are ABB taking a wait-and-see approach, others remain committed to their investments as they hold a long- About 16 months into our term view.
    [Show full text]
  • The Basic Concept for the Democracy Ranking of the Quality of Democracy
    The Basic Concept for the Democracy Ranking of the Quality of Democracy David F. J. Campbell September 29, 2008 David F. J. Campbell Research Fellow University of Klagenfurt Faculty for Interdisciplinary Studies (IFF) Institute of Science Communication and Higher Education Research (WIHO) A-1070 Vienna, Austria [email protected] http://www.uni-klu.ac.at/wiho Recommended citation: Campbell, David F. J. (2008). The Basic Concept for the Democracy Ranking of the Quality of Democracy. Vienna: Democracy Ranking. © Copyright by David F. J. Campbell, 2008. All rights reserved. Table of Contents Abstract ...............................................................................................................3 1. What is democracy? Short review of conceptual definitions..........................4 2. The empirical spreading of democracy in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries: The need for distinguishing between different qualities of democracy ...........................................................................................................7 3. Initiatives for an empirical measurement of democracies in global context: Freedom House, Polity IV, Vanhanen’s Index of Democracy, and Democracy Index..................................................................................................................10 4. Minimum or maximum definitions of democracy? Short review of concepts of the quality of democracy ..............................................................................17 5. The basic concept for the
    [Show full text]
  • THE UNREALIZED MAHATHIR-ANWAR TRANSITIONS Social Divides and Political Consequences
    THE UNREALIZED MAHATHIR-ANWAR TRANSITIONS Social Divides and Political Consequences Khoo Boo Teik TRENDS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ISSN 0219-3213 TRS15/21s ISSUE ISBN 978-981-5011-00-5 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace 15 Singapore 119614 http://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg 9 7 8 9 8 1 5 0 1 1 0 0 5 2021 21-J07781 00 Trends_2021-15 cover.indd 1 8/7/21 12:26 PM TRENDS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 21-J07781 01 Trends_2021-15.indd 1 9/7/21 8:37 AM The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (formerly Institute of Southeast Asian Studies) is an autonomous organization established in 1968. It is a regional centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security, and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment. The Institute’s research programmes are grouped under Regional Economic Studies (RES), Regional Strategic and Political Studies (RSPS), and Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS). The Institute is also home to the ASEAN Studies Centre (ASC), the Singapore APEC Study Centre and the Temasek History Research Centre (THRC). ISEAS Publishing, an established academic press, has issued more than 2,000 books and journals. It is the largest scholarly publisher of research about Southeast Asia from within the region. ISEAS Publishing works with many other academic and trade publishers and distributors to disseminate important research and analyses from and about Southeast Asia to the rest of the world. 21-J07781 01 Trends_2021-15.indd 2 9/7/21 8:37 AM THE UNREALIZED MAHATHIR-ANWAR TRANSITIONS Social Divides and Political Consequences Khoo Boo Teik ISSUE 15 2021 21-J07781 01 Trends_2021-15.indd 3 9/7/21 8:37 AM Published by: ISEAS Publishing 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Singapore 119614 [email protected] http://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg © 2021 ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • 155KB***The Courts and the Enforcement of Human Rights
    (2020) 32 SAcLJ 458 THE COURTS AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS This article examines how the Malaysian courts have dealt with substantive human rights issues in the cases that have come before them, focusing particularly on the last ten years. It highlights cases where the courts demonstrated greater willingness to review executive action and parliamentary legislation and test them against constitutional provisions that protect fundamental liberties such as the right to life, and freedom of expression, association and assembly. It also looks at cases which have taken a less flexible approach on these issues. The article also touches on the issues of access to justice, locus standi and justiciability of cases involving human rights issues before the Malaysian courts. Ambiga SREENEVASAN1 LLB (Exeter); Barrister-at-law (non-practising) (Gray’s Inn); Advocate and Solicitor (High Court in Malaya). DING Jo-Ann LLB (Manchester), MSt in International Human Rights Law (Oxford); Barrister-at-law (non-practising) (Lincoln’s Inn). Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people …[2] 1 Former President of the Malaysian Bar (2007–2009), former chairperson and co-chairperson of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) (2010–2013), former president of the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) (2014–2018), Commissioner of the International Commission of Jurists.
    [Show full text]
  • ANFREL E-BULLETIN ANFREL E-Bulletin Is ANFREL’S Quarterly Publication Issued As Part of the Asian Republic of Electoral Resource Center (AERC) Program
    Volume 2 No.1 January – March 2015 E-BULLETIN The Dili Indicators are a practical distilla- voting related information to enable better 2015 Asian Electoral tion of the Bangkok Declaration for Free informed choices by voters. Stakeholder Forum and Fair Elections, the set of principles endorsed at the 2012 meeting of the Participants were also honored to hear Draws Much Needed AES Forum. The Indicators provide a from some of the most distinguished practical starting point to assess the and influential leaders of Timor-Leste’s Attention to Electoral quality and integrity of elections across young democracy. The President of the region. Timor-Leste, José Maria Vasconcelos Challenges in Asia A.K.A “Taur Matan Ruak”, opened the More than 120 representatives from twen- Forum, while Nobel Laureate Dr. Jose The 2nd Asian Electoral Stakeholder ty-seven countries came together to share Ramos-Jorta, Founder of the State Dr. ANFREL ACTIVITIES ANFREL Forum came to a successful close on their expertise and focus attention on the Marí Bim Hamude Alkatiri, and the coun- March 19 after two days of substantive most persistent challenges to elections in try’s 1st president after independence discussions and information sharing the region. Participants were primarily and Founder of the State Kay Rala 1 among representatives of Election from Asia, but there were also participants Xanana Gusmão also addressed the Management Bodies and Civil Society from many of the countries of the Commu- attendees. Each shared the wisdom Organizations (CSOs). nity of Portuguese Speaking Countries gained from their years of trying to (CPLP). The AES Forum offered represen- consolidate Timorese electoral democ- Coming two years after the inaugural tatives from Electoral Management Bodies racy.
    [Show full text]
  • THE RISE and FALL of DR LING LIONG SIK (Bernama 23/05/2003)
    23 MAY 2003 Ling-Politics THE RISE AND FALL OF DR LING LIONG SIK By: Alan Ting KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) - He was not seen as a likely presidential candidate of the MCA during the infamous clash between Datuk Dr Neo Yee Pan and Datuk Tan Koon Swan in the 1980s. Having thrown his weight behind Koon Swan, he was like any other "generals" in the bitter party tussle, till a twist of fate propelled him to the helm of the oldest and biggest Chinese party, a job he held for almost 17 years. That twist of fate came on Sept 3, 1986 when he, as the deputy president, was appointed to the top post, replacing Koon Swan who had to resign after being sentenced to a two-year jail and a fine of S$500,000 for criminal breach of trust in Singapore. Born on Sept 18, 1943, Dr Ling had his early education at the King Edward VII School in Taiping before joining the prestigious Royal Military College (RMC) in Sungai Besi. From the RMC, Dr Ling studied medicine at the University of Singapore in 1961 and by 1966, he served as a doctor at Penang General Hospital before opting for private practice in Butterworth in 1975. The medical doctor, with a dead-pan face and gravel voice, launched his political career in 1968 when he joined the MCA and worked his way up to become a Central Committee member in 1974. EARLY YEARS In the same year, he was picked to stand in the Mata Kuching (now called Bagan) parliamentary constituency on an MCA ticket and won, retaining the seat for two subsequent terms.
    [Show full text]