"The empirical accounts in Illusions of Democracy are clear and well organized, making it not only an excellent resource for researchers but also very suitable for use in graduate-level classes on South East Asian politics."- Carlo Bonura, SOAS University of London, South East Asia Research (2022) "Illusions of Democracy brings together over a dozen experts in Malaysian politics and society to explore various dimensions of identity, religion, regionalism, and power in contemporary Malaysia. At a time of political uncertainty in Malaysian politics, these contributions make for compelling reading for scholars and citizens alike."- Thomas Pepinsky, Associate Professor of Government, Cornell University "In a time when political discussion in the country seems to be reduced to the most basest of levels, it is with great relief that Sophie Lemière has decided to expand the work started in Misplaced Democracy in this new volume of essays examining the Malaysian situation. I hope that this book will spark more intellectual debate as to the direction this country is heading and perhaps more importantly: should be heading."- Azmi Sharom, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Malaya "Malaysia is led by one of the most successful political parties in the world — UMNO-led coalitions have ruled since independence in 1957, a record that exceeds any elected government in power. Malaysia has also had an important international role as a leader of the regional ASEAN, and a global role as a moderate Muslim country. But with declining support for the government in recent elections is UMNO rule secure? Is Malaysia still a democracy? And can Malaysia’s international prominence be maintained with China exerting a stronger regional presence, and Islamic conservatives becoming more assertive at home? These issues are at the centre of this wide-ranging, excellent collection by Malaysian and international analysts."- John Funston, Visiting Fellow, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University
