Launched: Book on polls irregularities

From far right: co-editors Soon Li Tsin, Wong Chin Huat and Pak Samad flanked by the panel speakers.

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 25): A book on irregularities that occurred during the 16 by-elections since the March 2008 general election has been launched.

"Democracy at Stake?, Examining 16 by-elections in Malaysia, 2008-2011" is edited by political scientist and Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Wong Chin Huat and Soon Li Tsin.

 

The short analysis pieces on the series of by-elections, written by journalists, activists and researchers, highlight instances where state resources of both the Barisan National and Pakatan Rakyat were misused for political gain, among other irregularities. 

 

Speaking during the book’s launch at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall last night,  co-editor Wong was quick to point out that the data presented was outdated as there have been allegations of new irregularity on a daily basis. 

 

He hopes the book would, however, serve as a reminder of the reality on the ground to both elites and the masses. 

 

"We have so many inspirational stories when we look at the Malaysian electoral role. Grandparents rise from the death and vote without visiting their grandchildren, same-gender marriage is allowed the Malaysian armed forces," he said in jest, referring to numerous reported allegations of electoral irregularities. 

 

He added: "In news, reporters are taught to only highlight what is new in a story. So it is not news if a dog bites a man but news if a man bites a dog, 

 

"In Malaysia election fraud is fast becoming a way of life; we have to stop and think what kind of country it will be if dog bites man every day."

 

He added that it was sad to see the persisting irregularities in the electoral roll even during by-elections and voiced concern over the changes of it happening during the general election. 

 

National laureate A Samad Said, who launched the book, said he was "happy" that it was released as it highlighted matters that were unknown to the general public. 

 

"There are a lot of things that we don't know. All these things happen and we assume that it is normal occurrence,  but they can destroy us," said Samad, who is also Bersih 2.0 co-chairperson. 

 

The book is published by Strategic Information and Research Development Centre. - fz.com