Elite as Saviour of the Malays

The objective of this chapter is to offer a contextual foundation for the historical and sociological aspects of Malay-elite relationship, as well as the notion of feudal mentality. This chapter explores how the Malay population strategically navigates the political landscape of their country, ultimately shaping the direction towards populism. Furthermore, it explores the correlation between history and the increasing reliance of the Malay population on political leadership. This chapter provides readers with essential tools and an analytical framework to make sense of the challenges posed by revivalist populism in Malaysia. This chapter serves as a fundamental foundation on which the rest of the book is constructed, offering insights into the underlying causes that drive populism among Malay leaders. This highlights the possible risks that democracy may face and cautions against the tendency towards populism that can arise due to the long-term implementation of affirmative action.