Over the years, especially since the 1MDB scandal, Malaysians have become more familiar with the term ‘corruption.’ Not only have we broadened our understanding of it (no longer do we think it’s just about bribery), it has also become part of mainstream political discourse. 

Malaysians know that our country has an entrenched problem of corruption and that it is holding us back, eating us from the inside and eroding our trust in the system.

But just how deep is the rot? How does it manifest in ways beyond the obvious headlines of high-profile arrests? Why is it so challenging to reform the system? 

In this episode, we’re joined by Edmund Terence Gomez, author of an insightful book titled Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia. It offers an in-depth examination of the perverse entanglement of politics and business in Malaysia through something called the “Political-GLC Complex.” Unlike broad critiques that dismiss GLCs outright, Gomez looks at the intricate ways in which they are run in Malaysia and how specific policies and practices have turned an idea with egalitarian objectives into a vehicle for power and patronage.

Over the years, especially since the 1MDB scandal, Malaysians have become more familiar with the term ‘corruption.’ Not only have we broadened our understanding of it (no longer do we think it’s just about bribery), it has also become part of mainstream political discourse.&nbsp;Malaysians know that our country has an entrenched problem of corruption and that it is holding us back, eating us from the inside and eroding our trust in the system.But just how deep is the rot? How does it manifest in ways beyond the obvious headlines of high-profile arrests? Why is it so challenging to reform the system?&nbsp;In this episode, we’re joined by Edmund Terence Gomez, author of an insightful book titled <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.gerakbudaya.com/product/misgovernance?srsltid=AfmBOopaLjLUVV9lxFVPrMC6JO6bMiDVVJMphONyPAgBRjUTOtVki67I">Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia</a>. It offers an in-depth examination of the perverse entanglement of politics and business in Malaysia through something called the “Political-GLC Complex.”&nbsp;Unlike broad critiques that dismiss GLCs outright, Gomez looks at the intricate ways in which they are run in Malaysia and how specific policies and practices have turned an idea with egalitarian objectives into a vehicle for power and patronage.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. 
On Beyond the Ballot Box, we have in-depth conversations about political economy and human rights in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the globe through a class prism.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we have in-depth conversations about political economy and human rights in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the globe through a class prism.

Beyond the Ballot Box

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

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