Malaysia’s Midterm Reckoning: Is Anwar’s Unity Government Losing the Plot?

Published on 29 Jul 2025

“What began as a democratic breakthrough in 2018 could end in reinforcing the very power structures it sought to dismantle.”

In Malaysia’s Midterm Reckoning: Is Anwar’s Unity Government Losing the Plot, Dr Syaza Shukri explores the political tightrope Malaysia’s unity government is walking at midterm. While Anwar’s ascent brought hope for long-promised reforms, the coalition’s compromises, internal rifts, unpopular economic policies, and reliance on former adversaries like UMNO have eroded public confidence. The piece questions whether Anwar can still deliver meaningful change or whether his leadership will ultimately entrench the very forces he once opposed — a dilemma made more urgent as voter disillusionment and political inertia deepen ahead of the next election.