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Malaysian democracy is alive and kicking, thank you
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<!--close .storyLeft-->I WISH to highlight several views in relation to senior writer Salim Osman's misleading commentary last Saturday ('The need for electoral reforms in Malaysia').
First, the way Malaysian authorities dealt with the Bersih rally in July was, in retrospect, appropriate. No one was shot, no one died of bullet wounds or injuries, thanks to official restraint. Allegations of high-handedness and of a harsh crackdown against the organisers were to be expected. But these allegations should not be blown out of proportion and lead to the conclusion that Malaysia's democracy is flawed.
Mr Salim could have been more open to the views of the majority instead of repeating opposition mantra. A more introspective approach, taking into account the writer's experiences in Singapore, could have perhaps produced a more balanced review.
Second, the legitimacy of Malaysia's election was never questioned. The Election Commission, as a responsive institution, had introduced many improvements for an efficient and credible system. The latest proposal to use a biometric identification system as better technology became available and, as skills of its officials improved with the passage of time, was an expected development by Malaysians.
Third, Bersih's rally was anything but about reforming the electoral system or about democracy, despite its propaganda. The organisers were keener on abusing the freedom afforded by Malaysia's democratic practices to change a working system via illegal means. The organisers' uncompromising approach, backed by self-serving political parties, were indeed a disservice to a peaceful nation.
Fourth, the statement referring to public views or academic studies on the unfairness of Malaysia's election process and on the partiality of the Election Commission were obviously motivated. The fact that opposition parties now rule in five states is testimony that the opposition competed on equal terms and exercised the freedom to campaign openly without hindrance through the media.
Fifth, contrary to the writer's view, Malaysians generally have no doubt that their election system has delivered stability. Malaysia as a nation would not have lasted that long if its stability was superficial and not grounded in people's trust. Furthermore, regular elections have been held and the opposition parties had won many seats without the consequence of an uncontrollable political situation.
Lastly, Malaysia will continue to have fair and free elections with practices and processes improved from time to time as expected by citizens of a nation confident of its democracy. Nik Ady Arman
Second Secretary,
High Commission of Malaysia
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<!--close .storyLeft-->I WISH to highlight several views in relation to senior writer Salim Osman's misleading commentary last Saturday ('The need for electoral reforms in Malaysia').
First, the way Malaysian authorities dealt with the Bersih rally in July was, in retrospect, appropriate. No one was shot, no one died of bullet wounds or injuries, thanks to official restraint. Allegations of high-handedness and of a harsh crackdown against the organisers were to be expected. But these allegations should not be blown out of proportion and lead to the conclusion that Malaysia's democracy is flawed.
Mr Salim could have been more open to the views of the majority instead of repeating opposition mantra. A more introspective approach, taking into account the writer's experiences in Singapore, could have perhaps produced a more balanced review.
Second, the legitimacy of Malaysia's election was never questioned. The Election Commission, as a responsive institution, had introduced many improvements for an efficient and credible system. The latest proposal to use a biometric identification system as better technology became available and, as skills of its officials improved with the passage of time, was an expected development by Malaysians.
Third, Bersih's rally was anything but about reforming the electoral system or about democracy, despite its propaganda. The organisers were keener on abusing the freedom afforded by Malaysia's democratic practices to change a working system via illegal means. The organisers' uncompromising approach, backed by self-serving political parties, were indeed a disservice to a peaceful nation.
Fourth, the statement referring to public views or academic studies on the unfairness of Malaysia's election process and on the partiality of the Election Commission were obviously motivated. The fact that opposition parties now rule in five states is testimony that the opposition competed on equal terms and exercised the freedom to campaign openly without hindrance through the media.
Fifth, contrary to the writer's view, Malaysians generally have no doubt that their election system has delivered stability. Malaysia as a nation would not have lasted that long if its stability was superficial and not grounded in people's trust. Furthermore, regular elections have been held and the opposition parties had won many seats without the consequence of an uncontrollable political situation.
Lastly, Malaysia will continue to have fair and free elections with practices and processes improved from time to time as expected by citizens of a nation confident of its democracy. Nik Ady Arman
Second Secretary,
High Commission of Malaysia
