| ID | 165876 |
| Title Proper | United States democracy assistance in Malaysia |
| Other Title Information | the nature and impact of concurrent strategy |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Ismail, Muhamad Takiyuddin ; Abadi, Abdul Muein |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This exploratory article seeks to analyze the nature and impact of one of the main democracy promoters in Malaysia i.e. the United States (US). The US is a promoter that is often being alleged with interfering with Malaysian domestic affairs, especially since the sacking of former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. This article argues that the US democracy promotion in Malaysia can be conceptualized under the framework of a concurrent democracy assistance strategy. This is due to the fact that while the US is supporting the non-regime compatible program, it is also concurrently channeling bigger aid for regime-compatible program to Malaysia from 1999–2015. The improvement of diplomatic ties between both countries since post-Mahathir era and the prioritization of security issues have led to a more engaging conduct of democracy promotion. Despite the US continuous funding of non-regime-compatible programs through non-state actors, this approach was nevertheless balanced by cordial relations at the state level. Nevertheless, the effect of US democracy assistance and promotion on Malaysia’s democratic development has been minimal, reinforcing the views on the difficulty to promote democracy in a semi-authoritarian regime. |
| `In' analytical Note | Pacific Review Vol. 32, No.4; Jul 2019: p.572-602 |
| Journal Source | Pacific Review Vol: 32 No 4 |
| Key Words | Civil Society ; Regime Change ; Democracy Promotion ; Democracy Assistance ; Malaysia and The United States Bilateral Relations |