This Brief IDEAS argues that Malaysia’s democratic institutions have been tested in various ways ever since the pandemic struck in March this year. The paper highlights that election-management will need to be improved, Parliamentary proceedings have been compromised, federal-state government relations and coordination have worsened and the lack of transparency and accountability in procurement and financial disclosure has undermined confidence in the response to the crisis.

Furthermore, this paper highlights that the pandemic has also revealed shortcomings in Malaysia’s treatment of vulnerable communities. In conclusion, Covid-19 presents a chance for Malaysians to give deeper thought to the fundamentals of Malaysia’s democracy and the importance of working harder towards meaningful, inclusive and structural changes.