Democracy Continues to Evolve

The question lays the foundations of the role of democratic institutions in Malaysia. If they are relevant as they are, have they functioned in accordance with the principles of the Federal Constitution and good governance? Are temporary conciliatory platforms required in the interim to make the reforms required in our institutions? Where are reforms required, if any and in which areas? The question also examines if our leadership is in crisis, and Malaysians’ understanding of the constitution and political literacy. How does this compare with legislators’? What are the repercussions of these levels of literacy?

The question discusses the relationship between federal, state and local governments. It examines the dynamics of this synergy post GE14 as well as what these dynamics bode in a postmodern era of democracy. It also discusses what constitutes Malaysia as a nation, and what it takes to strengthen her democratic institutions. The question examines what the events of March 2020 and July 2021 (which saw changes in government) tell us about our democracy. Is our electoral system encouraging democracy, or suppressing voters’ and citizens’ rights?

This question reviews aspects of culture and tradition that lead to feudalism in the leadership styles of Malaysia both in the public and private sectors, and the mechanisms required in dismantling this culture. How have race-based policies in Malaysia since independence moulded the leadership styles in Malaysia’s public and private sectors? Are there advantages of evolving a race based polity into a universal non race and religion based polity, and how will democratic institutions change in the face of a non race-based polity?

This question focuses on the public sector and its service delivery culture. Political governance is examined from the perspective of separation of powers, oversight, and also systems of patronage, as well as the alternatives available. It also examines the evolving role of Parliament. Are we seeing a tug of war between feudalistic cultures of wanting to maintain the past versus a democratic model of the present wanting good governance in Malaysia?

Who audits the auditors? This question examines who keeps regulators in check. Are government and business too intertwined? The question explores further if an ‘independent referee’ is required to oversee institutions, and if there are such institutions, how they can be empowered.

This question examines the roles and duties of boards and senior management in these entities and their effectiveness within the existing governance framework surrounding the GLCs and GLICs.

This question examines the role of media and civil societies as independent referees and pillars in a democracy, their allegiances to their pay masters, and their independence in reporting. The same applies for civil society organisations.

This question explores the selection process of senior positions in public sector and government owned entities. This question also explores in part whether education is lacking, and whether that has and is contributing to the ails of Malaysia? How can this be reformed? Where and why have the succession planning models failed in the political and public sector? What are key traits that Malaysians want from leaders in the public and private sector?

This question considers how to enhance our democratic governance. Is a national consultative council, led by independent entities outside of the existing democratic model, a viable alternative or supplement to existing democratic structures? Are there other refereeing models which can be considered, to strengthen the governance of our democracy?