THIS year was historic for Malaysia. Malaysians put the country back on the world map by peacefully changing a regime that had ruled the country since its independence 61 years ago.

Political observers worldwide who once called the country a sputtering Asian tiger are now looking at whether Malaysia can buck the global trend of democracies reverting to dictatorships.

Some have even dared to ask whether Malaysia can become a beacon for democracy at a time where others are failing.

That process started after the May 9 general election but the hardest parts of it will come in 2019 when the Pakatan Harapan administration attempts to continue its reform agenda while grappling with a slowing economy.

The government is facing a growing backlash among rural Malay-Muslims after it cut aid for farmers and fishermen. Young adults, many of whom voted for PH, are also angry after the government backtracked on a promise to reduce payments for tertiary education loans.

These are some of things to watch out in the coming year which will indicate whether the expectations borne out GE14 can be translated into reality.

* New petrol prices

Petrol prices at the pump are likely to go down starting in January after the government announced it was reverting to the weekly float system.

Fuel prices will go down in tandem with the global price of petrol but the government will set a maximum cap of RM2.20 per litre for RON95.

* A slowing economy

Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to slow in 2019 in the face of a global economic downturn which is expected to hit every region, according to Moody’s Analytics.

The local economy is projected to grow 4.4% in 2019 and 3.6% in 2020 compared with 5.9% in 2017. Moody’s predicts that growth for 2018 will be 4.8%.

* New laws and regulations

A total smoking ban in all mamak shops, kopitiam and food courts starts in January while in April, a sugar tax goes into effect. These, as well as a RM1,100 minimum wage and black school shoes, are some of the new rules rolling out in 2019.

A new law to make Parliament more independent will also be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat’s first sitting.

* Dr Mahathir Mohamad

The former dictator-turned-reformist achieved what few thought possible in the May 9 elections and people will continued to take great interest in whatever the world’s oldest prime minister say and does in 2019.

His popularity has taken a hit due to some of his administration’s U-turns and missteps since coming to office. Next year looks to be even more challenging, given the slowing economy and impatience with stalled reforms.

* Anwar Ibrahim

He said he’s not interested in a cabinet post but the Pakatan Harapan de facto leader and prime minister-in-waiting still plays an active role in Malaysian politics.

The focus will be on how he plans to push through parliamentary reforms and how he attempts to increase Malay-Muslim support for the coalition.

* Police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC)

They were probably the second busiest government entities this year after their new bosses in the government.

In 2019, the autopsy of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim will be revealed and the public will expect justice for his death.

There will be more arrests of individuals linked to corruption cases in the former Barisan Nasional administration while the hunt for fugitive financier Jho Low is ongoing.

* Trials of Najib Razak, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Rosmah Mansor

Disgraced former prime minster Najib Razak, his wife, Rosmah Mansor, and his former deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will go on trial over charges of corruption, abuse of power and money-laundering.

Najib’s first trial, for misusing his government position in a deal linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), has been set from February 18 to 28, March 4 to 8, and March 11 to 15.

Trial dates for Rosmah’s and Zahid’s cases are also expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2019. 

* Umno and Mohamad Hasan

The party that fought for and gained independence for the country has haemorrhaged leaders and members after it was defeated in GE14.

It also faces the threat of deregistration after its accounts were frozen by the authorities. Next year will be a litmus test on whether it can revive itself under the leadership of acting president Mohamad Hasan.

Mohamad has to decide whether Umno will attempt to get into the government through backdoor deals or whether it will fashion itself into an effective opposition party.

* The Malay far-right

The movement started after the 2008 general election but its rise was fanned into strength by Umno after the 2013 elections. The Malay far-right is a loose collection of Malay rights and Muslim welfare groups and their political allies – Umno and PAS.

The rally against ICERD, a United Nations anti-discrimination convention, which drew between 55,000 and 80,000 in December, was just the start.

The rally’s organisers want to create a mass civil movement against the Pakatan Harapan administration, which it accuses of disrespecting the special position of Malays and Islam.

Expect more rallies in 2019 as the movement attempts to undercut Malay-Muslim support for the administration.

* Senator P. Waytha Moorthy

Calls for him to resign grow louder as the Malay far-right, PAS and Umno uses the minister as a rallying point for Malay-Muslims disenchanted with the PH administration.

The prime minister has so far defended Waytha Moorthy who has refused to step down. But whether he will remain will depend on how his presence affects Malay-Muslim support towards the government.

* Khairy Jamaluddin

The Rembau MP and former Umno Youth chief has been a dissident voice in his party’s increasing turn towards the Malay far-right.

After failing to get elected as Umno president this year, the 42-year-old continues to be an active voice in the federal opposition. But given the exit of many of the party’s MPs, will he be next?

* Third national car project

Details of this venture will be unveiled as part of the new National Automotive Policy (NAP) in the first quarter of 2019.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming said the project will not use public funds. Although it has been criticised, the government sees it as one of the way to upgrade the country’s manufacturing base and create new high-skilled jobs.

* PAS elections

The second largest opposition party will hold elections to choose a new central leadership and the focus will be on whether Abdul Hadi Awang will defend his presidency.

Hadi, who is also Marang MP, has returned to his old firebrand style of politics as he attempts to capitalise on rural and working-class Malay-Muslim disenchantment with the PH government

* Lee Chong Wei

The three-time Olympic Silver medallist dropped out of training and active competition after a nose cancer diagnosis this year.

He said he will return to training at the end of December and is scheduled to make his comeback to the court at the All England tournament in March.

* 30th SEA Games in Manila

This will be the first SEA Games under Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and he said it will be a test as to whether his new athletes “tier-system” training system works.

The Malaysian contingent is also out to prove whether it can improve upon its track record of 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals. – December 31, 2018.