1. Replaced the New Economic Policy (NEP [1969]) in 1991. The NDP continued the government’s commitment to economic equity but without specific numerical targets. This period also saw regulatory efforts that required businesses owned by Chinese Malaysians to partner with Malays to meet ownership requirements, which led to inefficiencies such as rent-seeking behavior.

-Encouragement of Downstream Industries

1. Malaysia pursued a policy to integrate downstream from natural resources such as timber and rubber. This involved promoting domestic industries like furniture and latex products manufacturing, which helped the country reduce its reliance on raw commodity exports

-ASEAN Involvement

1. As part of its regional economic strategy, Malaysia participated in discussions about creating an ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) with neighboring Southeast Asian countries. While this initiative was expected to enhance regional trade cooperation, some critics feared it could divert trade away from lower-cost external countries

A Constitution for a fully independent and sovereign Malaya was drawn up by an independent body of distinguished jurists from several Commonwealth countries, headed by Lord Reid.

The Federal Constitution was unanimously adopted by the Federal Legislative Council, and it was decided that Parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model was best for the country.

Malaysia practices parliamentary democracy with constitutional monarchy. His Majesty the King is the head of state. Parliament is the most important institution in a country which practices the principles of democracy.

The Parliament of Malaysia consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives held its first meeting on 11 September 1959.

The House of Representatives has 222 elected members, and each member represents a Parliamentary Constituency. A General Election is held every five years to elect members of the House of Representatives. Parties with the most elected members can form a federal government to rule the country.

The Senate (Dewan Negara) consists of Members of Parliament who are also known as Senators. They were chosen among those who had achieved excellence in their respective professions and represented minorities in the society. Members of the Senate are selected by two means, i.e., appointed by the State Legislative Assembly and appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The number of Senator seats is 70 seats.

Their score has remained stable since 2006 (6.0) with an upward-trend over the years. -Switzerland-

Switzerland has a current “Democracy Index” score of 9.1

Their score has remained stable since 2006 (9.0) over the years  

Both countries have a very stable democracy index. Malaysia has shown a bigger growth curve and if the tendency continues, their index will continue to improve.

Switzerland has positioned itself in a very comfortable position and doesn’t show any changing tendencies.

The index is based on three principal criteria: economic, political and social.

It does not take into account environmental factors.

https://kof.ethz.ch/en/forecasts-and-indicators/indicators/kof-globalisation-index.html 

https://fragilestatesindex.org/global-data/

https://www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/amphtml/World/Asia-South-Central/2024/0722/new-Malaysian-king

 https://www.parlimen.gov.my/maklumat-umum.html?uweb=dr&lang=en

 https://www.parlimen.gov.my/index.php?modload=glosari&action=20000&id=16&lang=en