Don’t fall for provocation and intimidation

No amount of provocation and intimidation is actually going to stop the voters from flocking the polling stations on May 5.

COMMENT

By R Kengadharan
Is the 13th general election capable of bringing changes to the country?

Various stakeholders have embarked on an aggressive campaign and as the political competition intensifies, some politicians are propagating a race-based agenda and are making race slurs.

If we truly desire to create and restore a representative democracy, it is time to eliminate institutionalised money politics and endemic corruption through the ballot box.

To achieve this we require a political and mental revolution.

We the voters must vote for change and in uncertain terms must reject an incompetent, corrupt, arrogant and racist politician and government.

No politician or government should abuse the democratic mandate given to them cruelly.

While turmoil is not desired, a change however would be necessary. Such change must be for the better and such a change must not hinder economic progress and the new government must possess the liberty to implement policies without resistance.

The political competition between stakeholders and rivals has now intensified and it is the vote that will ultimately determine the future of the country.

Political parties, rivals and stakeholders must persuade voters and fence sitters to do things differently.

Any effort to bring about or cause change must be carefully measured and it must be acceptable within the multi-racial and ethnic sphere.

Such a change must necessarily be through the ballot box and not though any other means.

Blatant and unfounded accusations and criticisms by certain irresponsible quarters that such a change could spin towards anarchy are absurd and nothing but a blatant lie.

The establishment of a strong government is not dependent upon gaining a two-third majority. What ultimately matters are policies, proper and effective administration, responsible governance and a government that can meet the expectations and the demands of its people.

In a growing democracy of ours, no amount of provocation and intimidation is actually going to stop the voters from flocking the polling stations on May 5.

We the people of Malaysia have the courage, determination and integrity to cause the change that we long desired.

R Kengadharan is a lawyer and a former ISA detainee.