Malaysia is a democratic Monarchy, with a Parliament running the country and the Agong (Supreme ruler, not King) as largely the figurehead. The Parliament is dominated by the Barisan (coalition) comprising UMNO (United Malays National Organisation), MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association), MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress), Gerakan (a multi-racial political party) and a few other smaller components. The Barisan control more than 90% of the Parliament because of the very encouraging election promises (fight corruption, transparent government, etc.), which to date had largely been unfulfilled. They actually only won about 60% of the votes, but because of the way the constituencies are carved out, a rural vote is probably worth 10 times (probably more) than an urban vote.
While it is supposed to be a partnership, the Barisan is dominated by UMNO who set the tone. The others are too afraid to oppose whatever UMNO decide or pronounce for fear they will not be selected to run for the election. The declaration that Malaysia had always been an Islamic state by the Deputy Prime Minister for example. MCA Youth and MCA president made a feeble protest, and was told to shut up. Now not a squeak from them. MCA which claims to represent the Chinese is frequently accused of being afraid to run in Chinese majority constituencies. Most of them were elected in Malay majority constituencies.
While the Agong is supposedly a figurehead (a law has been passed that he has to sign all the bills presented to him by the Parliament), he has the power to disolve the Parliament, declare an emergency and nominate whoever he likes to run the country. There is hint of that happening, but if it ever materialise, I wonder how it will eventually turns out. There is still the crucial component - the Armed Forces. How will they react if ever the current Parliament is dissolved?
