The Star Online News : Malaysia Election 2004 reports that political campaigners making personal attacks in the run-up to the general election will be arrested, according to the EC. So much for democracy and its triumphal return!
For many of us, this election offers hope for change. Not so much wholesale ones, such as in the change of guard - no way would we thrive under the current opposition - but rather to inject a sense of credibility in our leadership that is congruent with the righteous rhetoric streaming from the pinnacle of power. Yet, party loyalty aside, I believe that democracy should be an inspection of personalities and their personal-ilities. If a public representative cannot withstand the scrutiny of his or her private life, what right do they have to govern and serve the rakyat's best interest? Should not these same leaders be accountable for even the slightest doubt of their personality?
The EC was established to ensure that the democratic process was carried out fairly and unequivocally. Pak Lah has rightfully demonstrated an elder statesman approach to this matter by pledging that the Barisan Nasional would not resort to personal attacks because the coalition believed it was not the proper way to campaign. This despite sensitive provocation from the religious left. The EC on the other hand has approached this matter like a blindman shopping for T-shirts in Chow Kit. Such a gesture only stiffles and sweeps the issues under the carpet. Afterall, some of our "esteemed" leaders have even thrown the gauntlet down by wielding the threat of legal action when faced with personal attacks - this means that we have the mechanisms to deal with such matters! Surely the EC, of all people, should recognise this. Surely the EC, of all people, should think thrice before making such an unobjective ruling.
C'mon, you can do better than this!
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