Publication

This paper examines 1) the relationship between former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his rival, Anwar Ibrahim, and 2) the possible consequences of their recent reconciliation. In addition to providing a detailed account of their troubled past and how it has evolved over time, the paper concludes that the reconciliation could lead to a reinvigorated opposition coalition and, by extension, a new chapter in Malaysian politics. How far this revitalization will go, however, will depend on these two men’s ability to battle the deep-seated corruption that remains at the heart of Malaysian society.