Political Stability and Islam

Published on 02 Sep 2026

Dr. Syaza Shukri | Academic Fellow

How much political competition is too much?

In Political Stability and Islam, Dr. Syaza Shukri examines Malaysia’s evolving political landscape and the tension between competition, stability, religion and democratic norms.

The article argues that political competition itself is not necessarily the source of instability. The greater danger emerges when political differences become existential struggles, outrage replaces ethical debate, and fear becomes a tool for political mobilisation.

As Malaysia approaches another electoral cycle, the challenge is to preserve meaningful political competition while strengthening the democratic norms, trust and ethical principles that hold society together.