This report on the Cost of Politics in Malaysia, based on research conducted in 2025, explores the financial, institutional and social burdens faced by candidates and parties in a political system undergoing transition. With an expanded electorate following the drop in voting age to 18 and automatic registration, and the recent emergence of a broader coalition government, the study captures how money, party dynamics and structural factors shape access to political power in Malaysia.
While Malaysia’s parliamentary system combined with multi-party competition is often promoted as inclusive, the reality is more challenging. Candidates reported significant expenses across the electoral cycle, from nomination fees to campaign logistics and post-election constituency commitments. with many relying on personal assets or business networks. The embedded role of party hierarchies, informal patronage and opaque nomination processes further concentrates influence in the hands of senior party actors.
Despite some promising signals, for example, concerted efforts to improve women’s political participation younger candidates, women and those lacking established patronage networks remain under-represented. Female aspirants in particular face disproportionate emotional and financial burdens. The report highlights how unequal access to funding, internal party gatekeeping and informal cost barriers create entry hurdles, undermine fair competition and risk entrenching political inequality as Malaysia’s democratic institutions evolve.
This study is supported by the WYDE Civic Engagement project, which aims to empower youth in democratic processes. Through this research, the Cost of Politics reports unlock the unique processes of electoral participation and their impact on democracy in different countries.
