Consociationalism Essays

Citizenship “Citizenship is a status bestowed on those who care equal with respect to the rights and duties with which the status is endowed” (Marshall 1950). According to a common view, three elements are included in citizenship (Marshall 1950; Kjellbert 2002; Morris 2005; Kjellberg and Hemmingsson 2013). Civil rights is based on the idea that each human being is equal before the law. It comprises personal integrity, freedom of speech, religious liberty, freedom of thought and the right to own property

in many instances to curb the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression in Malaysia – including through the arrests of individuals for merely tweeting their criticism of Government policies and judicial decisions” (Ibid). This shows that consociationalism and the curtailing of democracy by the state has weakened the civil society in the state, making democratic reforms