In diverse Southeast Asia, growing ethnic and religious intolerance poses serious threat to stability

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: When the one-year anniversary of Malaysia’s historic presidential election outcome rolls around in early May, the wave of euphoria that followed it will be all but a wistful memory.

The surprise outcome that ended 61 years of interrupted rule by the Barisan Nasional coalition party, brought with it fresh hope that winning Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) party would bring the “New Malaysia” — as it became known — the positive change many yearned for.