Why Paetongtarn's fall should be a wake-up call for Malaysian politics

Sinar Daily

3 days ago

As Thailand edges closer to ending the decades-long reign of the Shinawatra political dynasty, Malaysians watching from across the border cannot help but wonder, are we next? Or are we still stuck in our own political loop of family ties, friendly foes and familiar faces?
Picture this: you are 38, the youngest ever Prime Minister (PM) of Thailand and only the second woman to hold the post. Your family is wildly influential and wildly controversial. Your dad was once the PM and once owned Manchester City.
Your aunt was PM too and now it is your turn. You are not exactly hurting financially either. You and your husband declared a jaw-dropping US$650 million in assets, including luxury homes across the globe and a collection of handbags and watches that would put most luxury stores to shame.
Your name is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pong Tan to the public, and you have just been suspended from office by Thailand's Constitutional Court over alleged ethical misconduct. Talk about a plot twist. It is not just political theatre, it could be the final curtain for one of Southeast Asia's most enduring political dynasties. Anti-government protesters hold Thai national flags during a demonstration to demand the removal of Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office outside Government House in Bangkok on June 19, 2025. Paetongtarn faced mounting calls to resign on June 19 after a leaked phone call she had with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen provoked widespread anger and a key coalition partner to quit. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
And if you are Malaysian, you might be watching this unfold with a mix of curiosity and deja vu. Because here, the words nepotism, dynasty and cronies are not exactly foreign concepts either.
Let us rewind a bit. Thailand has been a Shinawatra saga for more than two decades. Thaksin Shinawatra, Pong Tan's father, was a business tycoon-turned-populist PM beloved by the working class but despised by the elite.
His policies, like universal healthcare, won hearts in rural Thailand, but accusations of corruption, abuse of power and you guessed it, nepotism, eventually led to his ousting. His sister, Yingluck, met a similar fate.
Now, it is Paetongtarn's turn and if the courts rule against her, it may mark the end of an era.
But why should Malaysians care? Because dynasties are not exclusive to Thailand. Because across the border in Malaysia, we have our own version of the dynastic script playing out. Except ours comes with nasi lemak and parliamentary walkouts.
Let us talk nepotism, a word that Malaysians are now slowly learning to pronounce in more than one language.
Just recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, was elected as Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) Deputy President. It caused some serious side-eye, sparked rumours of nepotism and triggered resignations by two key ministers: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Coincidence? Maybe. Political discomfort? Definitely.
While nothing has been officially proven, the whispers were loud enough to shake the party's stability. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by the country's Constitutional Court on July 1, 2025, as it opened a probe into her conduct in a diplomatic spat with Cambodia. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
Then there is the infamous 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal, an epic fall from grace for former PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak, whose actions not only stained his name but also that of his late father, Malaysia's second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak.
The United States (US) Department of Justice even called it the 'largest kleptocracy case in history.' That is not something you frame and hang on the wall.
Malaysia is still dealing with the aftermath and the global embarrassment has not quite faded.
Having political lineage is not a crime. Around the world, it is common for children of political leaders to follow in their parents' footsteps and many of them work hard and earn their place.
However, it is important to recognise that when individuals with powerful family ties rise in politics, the standards must be higher. Whether they admit it or not, they began with a considerable advantage, their starting point was not the same as that of the average person.
This is why the public has every right to ask difficult questions: Why are you in that position? What are you doing with the power you hold? Are you truly here to serve the people or simply to continue your family legacy? The political playing field is far from equal. Being born into a powerful family is like starting a race 200 metres ahead. With that privilege comes the expectation of greater accountability and higher standards.
Let us also be honest, when someone from a politically connected family faces controversy, even the smallest shadow of doubt carries weight.
That's why Paetongtarn's situation hits differently. She could have lived a peaceful, wealthy life. Instead, she chose the chaos of politics.
But when your leaked phone call with a foreign leader sparks outrage, calling him "uncle" and referring to your own military as opponents, you are bound to face consequences. Especially in a country where border disputes can turn deadly and nationalism is a potent force.
Now, the court is investigating. Thousands have taken to the streets demanding her resignation. Public trust has plummeted. Her approval ratings nosedived from over 30 per cent to just 9.2 per cent in mere months.
Even her party, Pheu Thai, is bleeding support. If she is disqualified, the Shinawatra name may finally be retired from Thai politics; not with a bang, but with a whimper. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by the country's Constitutional Court on July 1, 2025, as it opened a probe into her conduct in a diplomatic spat with Cambodia. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
And here is where Malaysia needs to pay attention.
In a time when voters are more connected, more informed and more critical than ever (thank you, Internet), politicians tied to dynasties or powerful networks should expect scrutiny.
You cannot just ride your surname to power anymore. Not without consequences. As we say in Malaysia, 'siapa makan cili, dia terasa pedas'.
If you eat the chilli, be prepared for the heat.
The funny thing is, many Malaysian politicians have known each other since their youth. Some were friends, then became enemies, switched parties, created new ones, and continued to play musical chairs in Parliament.
One day they're calling each other crooks in their political 'ceramah' the next day they are smiling for selfies at official functions. The energy does not always match and people are aware of it.
So what is the takeaway from Thailand's political fiasco? It is not just about removing dynasties. It is about integrity, accountability and doing the job sincerely, regardless of your last name.
If you are truly committed to public service, people will not care who your father is. But the moment there is even a sliver of doubt, the spotlight will burn hotter than ever.
Whether Malaysia will ever truly move past political dynasties and the entrenched 'cable' culture remains a work in progress. But at least we now have a regional case study to reflect on.
Sure, Thailand might be ahead of us in dismantling political dynasties. But do not worry, we are still leading in another arena: tourism.
In fact, Malaysia officially became Southeast Asia's most visited country in the first quarter of 2025, welcoming over 10.1 million tourists. Thailand, in comparison, recorded 9.55 million visitors, putting us slightly ahead.
So while Thailand might be winning in political reform, Malaysia is still winning hearts (and arrivals) with nasi lemak, free visas and record-breaking tourism. Silver linings, right?