Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) – Today's resignation presented by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi will not be a cause for the country's instability, but it could mean the dawn of a new age in the political and social history of the nation. The Prime Minister, who has been serving in his post for over five years now, has presented his resignation to King Mizan Zainal Abidin, opening up possibilities for the election of a new government. The transition was expected and prepared for in recent months: the new leader of the country will be Vice-President Najib Abdul Razak, who has already obtained the consensus of the monarch and will be sworn-in tomorrow, April 3.
At the beginning of his first term, in 2003, Badawi had initiated an ambitious program for eradicating corruption, reforming the judicial system, strengthening institutions, and guaranteeing security and economic welfare for citizens.
The failure to follow through on these promises led to a loss of support from Badawi's party (Barisan Nasional) that, in the legislative elections in 2008, saw its worst outcome in history, since the nation's independence in 1957 (see Fides 10/3/2008). In part, it was thanks to the Indian and Chinese minorities living in Malaysia (now 35% of the population), who were dissatisfied and protested discriminations favoring Malaysians over them. However, for the Malaysians themselves, the political and social has become more complex, given the unfavorable economic situation and the rise of inflation, which is evident in in the growth of the opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim.
Badawi's administration will be remembered for the attempt to extend civil liberties, which have benefited ethnic and religious minorities, in the context of an emerging Islamic issue, given the rise of strong radicalist groups. The issue over the use of the term “Allah” in Christian press is a symptom of the growing political and social influence of such movements.
In this context, both the government and the opposition have expressed their open support for the freedom of religion and the legitimate right of minorities to be represented and respected, however the social conflicts are in danger of exploding at any moment.
The Catholic Church and other Christian Churches present in Malaysia have pointed out the need to work for social harmony and reconciliation among the various communities, in dialogue, equality of rights and duties, and in mutual respect. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/4/2009)
