2008
| Currency Rate to USD | 3.329 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 8371.82 |
| Population (millions) | 27.57 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM1.90 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM1.40 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 69.3% |
Reformasi Era
For many Malaysians, Reformasi meant both frustration and hope. In 1998, when Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as Deputy Prime Minister, it wasn’t just political drama—it felt personal: people seeing corruption, cronyism, and authoritarian rule in everyday life felt exposed.
2008 Malaysian General Election
The 2008 Malaysian general election, held on 8 March 2008, represented a seismic shift in the country's political landscape, challenging the long-standing dominance of the Barisan Nasional coalition and ushering in an era of heightened opposition influence, as BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament for the first time since 1969.
Formation of Pakatan Rakyat
The formation of Pakatan Rakyat on 1 April 2008 united the People's Justice Party (PKR), Democratic Action Party (DAP), and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) into a formal opposition coalition following the 2008 Malaysian general election, marking a significant challenge to the Barisan Nasional government's long-standing dominance and promoting multiracial cooperation and democratic reforms.
The Pedra Branca Dispute and the 2008 ICJ Ruling
The International Court of Justice issued a landmark judgment on 23 May 2008 resolving the territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh), awarding sovereignty to Singapore while granting Middle Rocks to Malaysia.
Inscription of Melaka and George Town as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
On 7 July 2008, the historic cities of Melaka and George Town were jointly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing their role as exemplars of multicultural trade and cultural exchange over nearly 500 years along the Straits of Malacca.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's Resignation Announcement
On July 10, 2008, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced his decision to step down as UMNO president and prime minister in 2009, amid mounting pressure following the Barisan Nasional's poor performance in the March 2008 general election and internal party dissent.
Lee Chong Wei's Silver Medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics
Lee Chong Wei secured Malaysia's first Olympic badminton silver in men's singles since 1996 by reaching the final at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he lost to China's Lin Dan after a strong run through the tournament.
Anwar Ibrahim's Victory in the 2008 Permatang Pauh By-Election
On 26 August 2008, Anwar Ibrahim secured a decisive victory in the Permatang Pauh by-election, returning to the Malaysian Parliament after a decade of political sidelining and bolstering the opposition's challenge to the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Advances Resignation to April 2009
On 8 October 2008, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced he would step down earlier than planned, advancing his resignation to April 2009 amid intense internal pressure from UMNO following the coalition's poor performance in the 2008 general election.
Najib Razak Elected UMNO President (2008)
On 2 December 2008, Najib Razak was elected unopposed as president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malaysia's dominant political party, following Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement to step down amid pressure after the Barisan Nasional coalition's poor performance in the March 2008 general election.
