Weekly Discussion #11: The 13th general elections and the future of Malaysia

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The 13th Malaysian general election must be held in 2013 or before 2013. The constitutional parliamentary term in Malaysia is five years after which the parliament must be dissolved by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister. With the exception of Sarawak, all other state assemblies are usually dissolved at the same time as the Federal Parliament. Sarawak held her state election in April this year.

In the 2008 general elections, Barisan Nasional (BN) was returned with 140 seats while the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition wrested 82 seats, thus denying the BN its two-thirds majority required to pass amendments. This was the first major setback of the BN since the 1969 general elections.

Times are changing. Malaysians are more discerning and demanding than yesteryears. Promises have been made by both coalitions; some kept…others yet to materialize for whatever reasons. Bearing in mind the circumstances in your area, has your representative been efficient and effective? What has not been done yet in your constituency?

What do you think? Join in the discussion below!

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