After years of uncertainty due to a global pandemic, 2022 saw a semblance of a return to the old normal. Restrictions and social distancing were lifted, enabling a return to economic and social activities.
But change is a constant, and nowhere was it more sweeping than on the political front where its volatility culminated in a hung parliament after the 15th general elections.
Fortunes too can change drastically, and we witnessed a former prime minister jailed, and a formerly imprisoned deputy prime minister take the helm.
Malaysia was not spared from climate change consequences as flash floods and freak storms wreaked havoc. A tragic landslide claimed the lives of 31 victims at a campsite in Batang Kali in December.
Here’s a look at notable moments throughout 2022.
Jan 19 – National No.1 shuttler Lee Zii Jia resigns from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to become an independent player. Lee was slapped with a two-year ban by the BAM which was later lifted.
Jan 26 – A tornado rips through Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah.
Jan 30 – Another tornado rips through Ipoh, Perak resulting in 100 trees felled and 219 houses damaged.
A tornado in Ipoh saw 219 houses damaged.
Feb 11 – The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) is launched as a political party.
Feb 15 – Sarawak Legislative Assembly passes a Bill to rename the title of the head of the state’s executive branch from ‘Chief Minister’ to ‘Premier’.
March 12 – Barisan Nasional wins the 15th Johor state elections comfortably by winning 40 of the 56 seats contested.
April 1 – Malaysia’s international borders reopen as the country transitions towards endemicity.
June 16 – Phase 1 of the second MRT line in Klang Valley, known as the MRT Putrajaya Line (SSP Line), is officially launched by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
July 29 – The Dewan Rakyat passes the anti-party-hoping law with a two-thirds majority
Aug 9 – Apple Pay is launched in Malaysia
Aug 23 – Datuk Seri Najib Razak becomes the first former Prime Minister convicted and jailed after the apex Court upholds his guilty verdict in the SRC International case.
Aug 31 – National Day celebration returns to Dataran Merdeka after two-year hiatus
Datuk Seri Najib Razak became the first former Prime Minister to be convicted and jailed. – Photo: AFP
Sept 1 – The High Court sentences Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to 10 years’ jail on each of three corruption charges involving a RM1.25bil hybrid solar project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak. She is appealing.
Sept 7 – Face masks are no longer mandatory indoors.
Sept 21 – Malaysia fully vaccinates 80% of its adult population against Covid-19.
Face masks are no longer mandatory indoors. – FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Oct 10 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announces the dissolution of parliament paving the way for the 15th general election.
Nov 19 – The 15th general election (GE15) is held. The result is a hung parliament where Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional won the most number of seats.
Nov 24 – After days of uncertainty, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister.
The 15th general election (GE15) was held on No 19. – Photo: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star.
Dec 2 – The Unity Government Cabinet is unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Dec 19 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim breezes through the vote of confidence in parliament, solidifying his status as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.
Dec 15 – A landslide at a camping site in Batang Kali claims 31 lives.
Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel together with K-9 search dogs during the operations at the Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali landslide. – FAIHAN GHANI/The Star