2015 Protests Against PM Najib Razak

Name: 2015 Protests Against PM Najib Razak
Start: 1925-08-30
Location: Unspecified

The Protests Against Najib Razak

In 2015, Malaysia witnessed significant civil unrest as thousands of citizens took to the streets to voice their discontent with then-Prime Minister Najib Razak. This movement marked a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape, as former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad openly called for Najib's resignation, citing a host of corruption allegations surrounding the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. The protests highlighted deep-seated frustrations within the populace regarding governance transparency and accountability.

Mahathir Mohamad's Involvement

Mahathir Mohamad, a towering figure in Malaysian politics and a highly influential leader, played a crucial role in these protests. Having served as Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003, Mahathir had previously supported Najib but became disillusioned as corruption allegations took center stage. His calls for Najib's resignation resonated with many citizens, propelling a nationwide campaign that captured the media's attention. Mahathir's actions galvanized support, transforming a political dispute into a widespread demand for reform and justice.

The Rise of the Bersih Movement

At the forefront of the protests was the Bersih movement, which had been advocating for electoral reforms since 2007. The 2015 protests were part of a series of Bersih demonstrations demanding cleaner and more transparent elections. Participants donned yellow, the movement's signature color, demonstrating their unity and commitment to a corrupt-free Malaysia. The protests were not just a response to Najib’s administration but also targeted the systemic issues that had plagued Malaysia's political fabric for decades.

Impact and Legacy of the Protests

Despite the government's attempts to disperse the protests through intimidation and arrests, the movement solidified public support for reform. The protests marked a crescendo in Malaysian civil society where citizens from various backgrounds united for a common cause, challenging the long-standing political power structure.

International Attention on Malaysia

The global community watched as the protests unfolded, bringing international scrutiny to Malaysia's political situation. The allegations against Najib and the ensuing protests led to heightened awareness of Malaysia's governance issues, impacting foreign relations and investments in the region.

The Aftermath of the Protests

Although the protests did not immediately lead to Najib's resignation, they set the stage for future political change in Malaysia. Public sentiment continued to grow against Najib, leading to his eventual ousting in 2018 during national elections, proving the lasting impact of the 2015 protests.

Fun Fact

Mahathir’s Surprising Comeback

Interestingly, Mahathir Mohamad returned to politics after coming out of retirement, successfully leading an opposition coalition to victory in the 2018 elections, becoming Malaysia's Prime Minister for the second time at the age of 92.