The Transition Towards Counter-Hegemony In Malaysian Political Culture

(Transisi Kontra Hegemoni dalam Budaya Politik Melayu di Malaysia)

Abstract

Malaysia (formerly known as Malaya) has undergone various political developments resulting in some ethnic polarization and hegemony of the ruling political parties. This has also resulted in civil society having a submissive attitude towards the ruling class. In fact, the "top down" form of governing is considered normal and is widely accepted. However, it can be observed that the sociopolitical scenario is such that old political practices are slowly being abandoned in favour of more open ones. Such a scenario leads towards counter-hegemony. Therefore, this article will deal with the fundamental questions concerning this transition, in which current, more open political practices are pitted against the traditional ones which are more about control and domination.

Keywords: hegemony, counter-hegemony, political culture, Malay politics