Najib's Turn

It is difficult to not compare the series of 'Bersih' (Clean) demonstrations demanding that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak step down with the situation in Indonesia back on May 1998. There has been no rioting, because the security forces and demonstrators have restrained themselves. But it is not impossible that Najib, like Suharto, will eventually have to bow to the demands of people power echoing in the main thoroughfares of Kuala Lumpur last week.

At first glance, this yellow-shirted movement is like those everywhere: evidence of a growing middle class political awareness. This particular awareness is marked by the rejection of the government's explanation about the mysterious funds in Najib's personal bank account, which is seen as 'an insult to common sense'.

September 8, 2015

It is difficult to not compare the series of 'Bersih' (Clean) demonstrations demanding that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak step down with the situation in Indonesia back on May 1998. There has been no rioting, because the security forces and demonstrators have restrained themselves. But it is not impossible that Najib, like Suharto, will eventually have to bow to the demands of people power echoing in the main thoroughfares of Kuala Lumpur la

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