Bulletin n. 2/2009
October 2009
CONTENTS
  • Section A) The theory and practise of the federal states and multi-level systems of government
  • Section B) Global governance and international organizations
  • Section C) Regional integration processes
  • Section D) Federalism as a political idea
    • M. O’Shannassy
    Beyond the Barisan Nasional?: A Gramscian Perspective of the 2008 Malaysian General Election
    in Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International and Strategic Affairs , Volume 31, Number 1, April ,  2009 ,  88-109
    The March 2008 general elections in Malaysia have been characterized as a political “tsunami” with opposition parties enjoying stunning electoral success both at the federal and state levels. In the aftermath of these elections further upheavals in the Malaysian political landscape have taken place. However, is Malaysia witnessing a truly progressive moment, one that is long-term and structural, or is this instead a short-term, regressive, “restorative” moment? More specifically, what do the 2008 elections mean as far as the continuing evolution of Malaysia’s national identity is concerned? By adopting a Gramsican perspective and drawing upon some of Gramsci’s key concepts this article endeavours to offer a more nuanced analysis of the recent elections and their meaning vis-à-vis (re)conceptions of national identity. In the process, this article seeks to explore the development and complex operation of hegemony with particular reference to notions of national identity in contemporary Malaysia.
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