Can reformist governments truly break from old governing habits?

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Reformist Governments Face Challenges in Dislodging Old Governing Habits

While the language of reform has become prevalent in Malaysian governance, with frequent changes in government and the emergence of new coalitions since 2018, the underlying habits of political life have proven more resilient. The fundamental issue is that altering who governs does not automatically translate into changing how power operates. New administrations can inadvertently adopt established practices, and even governments initially championing transparency may find themselves embracing the control mechanisms they once decried.
Persistence of Old Governing Patterns

The political landscape in Malaysia has been marked by significant upheaval since 2018, witnessing the collapse of old coalitions and the formation of new ones. Despite reform becoming a common discourse, certain ingrained political behaviours have demonstrated a remarkable tenacity. This suggests that the structural and procedural aspects of governance can persist even when the individuals or parties in power change, indicating a deeper systemic inertia.
Adoption of Criticised Tools by Reformist Governments

A notable observation is the tendency for reformist governments to adopt the very tools and methods they previously criticised when out of power. Politicians who once advocated for greater openness and accountability may, upon gaining power, discover the advantages of control and discretion. Similarly, those who previously complained of being silenced might become less receptive to dissent once it is directed at their own administration, a pattern observed across different governmental shifts.
Institutions Behaving Similarly Despite Different Rhetoric

Institutions can often present a transformed public face, using new language and espousing reformist ideals, yet continue to operate with much of their previous behaviour. This disconnect between outward rhetoric and internal practice means that changes in government do not necessarily lead to substantive shifts in how power is exercised or how decisions are made. The capacity for power to normalise perceived hypocrisy is a recurring theme, leading to a situation where citizens may become accustomed to the status quo, even if it contradicts initial reformist promises.

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Can reformist governments truly break from old governing habits?

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