SJS7- "Trauma and Triumphalism in Malaysia"

Source: Welsh, Bridget. "Trauma and Triumphalism in Malaysia." Current History, vol. 
     112, no. 755, Sept. 2013, pp. 236-41. 

Author Credentials: Bridget Welsh is qualified to discuss this topic as she has extensive background in Southeast Asian politics. She is a Senior Research Associate at the Center for East Asia Democratic Studies of the National Taiwan University and a Senior Associate Fellow of The Habibie Center. She has also written numerous books on the politics of Southeast Asia as well as taught political science at multiple universities. With all of her work in this field, the article written is sure to be deeply researched and accurate. 

Summary: In all, this article discusses some struggles Malaysia faces socially and economically entering a time period fresh off of the latest election. A large issue is how divided the country is politically and ethnically. With multiple successive presidents rising and failing, the people have taken to the streets to voice their opinions, resulting in chaos and disturbance. The two main emerging political parties were one advocating for an inclusive government, while another resists change and wants to hold onto the legacies of the past. Malaysia has three main ethnic groups, Malays, Chinese, and Indians. With the Malays as the majority, the other two are often discriminated against and want that to end. Another problem is the growing divisions of economic class, with people either very rich or poor, damaging Malaysia's economy. With the economy, the country also is facing troubles strengthening the country's economy. The article then concludes with drawing back all of the problems to what the Malaysians want, which is a new, stable government. 

Analysis: In general, the author did a good job portraying the needed information to explain the topic of the article with little to no bias in the article. Many examples from the present day country were used as well as some facts to help support the main argument. With all of this combined with the author's qualified background, the article is a reliable source of good information.