Consider this: Jokowi is Indonesia's fifth president since dictator Suharto was ousted in 1998, and the second to be elected directly by the nation's 250 million people. In contrast, the political establishment that's controlled Malaysia for six decades is still trying to silence opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Since 1998, Anwar has faced many questionable trials and prison sentences on charges ranging from corruption to sodomy. The latest verdict is due this week -- just days after Jokowi publicly buried the hatchet with his political opponents, who pledged to work with him to move Indonesia forward.
Malaysians are understandably angry about surging living costs. Meanwhile, earlier this month, local politicians from Najib’s United Malays National Organisation raised a stink about provocative postersfor Oktoberfest, which some Muslim groups tried to ban. There’s even a debate among some UMNO members about whether Muslims should be allowed to touch dogs.
Even though Malaysia's government is technically secular, religion is increasingly being wielded as a political weapon. This week, a delegation of opposition lawmakers visiting Canberra urged Australia to speak out against creeping Islamization in Malaysia. "In an environment where the state subtly and indirectly endorses criticisms and intimidation against a minority, it is easier for the messages of radical groups like ISIS to take hold," delegation leader Rafizi Ramlitold reporters.
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