I WAS at SMK Bukit Bandaraya in Lembah Pantai on Nomination Day (last Saturday), wearing my official SPR Pemerhati (EC-accredited observer) T-shirt and lanyard.
Unfortunately I can’t talk about any irregularities that I might (or might not!) have seen on that day, due to the election observers’ agreement with the Election Commission not to disclose them to the media until after the election. Rest assured, we will reveal everything as soon as we can – and you can have your input as well, by visiting www.pemerhati.my and sending us pictures, videos and descriptions of incidences you encounter.
We are not just looking for the negative, though – so if you see efficiency, diligence and fairness on the part of EC officials and the police, then you can report that as well. I will say, however, that there were no hindrances to the observation process that day.
I have known both Nurul Izzah and Raja Nong Chik for many years, bumping into them at apolitical events such as weddings, open houses and gala dinners. They both seemed pleasantly surprised to see me together with fellow observers Ibrahim Suffian, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam inside the sports hall where many of the constituency’s urban middle class voters must have once played badminton. We were all initially puzzled by the quiet entry of the independent, Rusli Baba, who has apparently been sacked from Umno.
Disgruntled party members not selected by their leaders have filed as independent candidates up and down the country, resulting in the most populous electoral list in our nation’s history. On the Pakatan side, there were also numerous cases of the allied parties putting up candidates against each other. Both of these scenarios have triggered much disappointment and anger amongst supporters of both coalitions. This is where I can say, “I told you so”, for if the candidates were selected by a grassroots process – or at least, allowed local party members to decide whether to accept parachute candidates recommended by headquarters – then these troubles could have been avoided. Instead, all the party leaders have been intent on holding on to the power to determine who contests where, applying their own criteria of qualification, inevitably causing resentment.
Now, what do you think will happen when some of these candidates win and then be enticed by offers from other party leaders? What will happen if the party leaders themselves get changed? To whom will their loyalties lie?
Some voters are extremely upset that the preponderance of independents and candidates from mosquito parties (this must be the cutest term in Malaysian politics) will upset the country’s evolution into two-coalition politics. Maybe, but one of the good things about the hubris of some overoptimistic candidates is that it emphasises the basic principle that we elect individuals and not parties to the Dewan Rakyat. Getting quality candidates into the chamber must be the first priority, for we have already seen what happens when subpar people get in: racism, sexism, idiocy, cowardice and unjustified party-hopping.
Hearteningly, many people recognise this, with even party members wondering why certain candidates have been selected in some cases – their lacklustre track records and reputations are a liability. However, inevitably there are still some fanatics who will decide based on the logo regardless of the quality of the individual candidates – “[our party]until Judgement Day!” or “Anything but [that party]!” – but there are increasing numbers who want to know more about the personalities involved. As soon as nominations were announced, questions were asked about the educational qualifications of certain candidates. Civil society movements are canvassing their prospective YBs on their views on vernacular schools, the environment or even specific local issues such as new roads or buildings. This is all very healthy for democracy, strengthening the relationship between representatives and constituents and enabling voters to see beyond the party logo.
Alas, with the two bombs in Nibong Tebal, it seems some are intent on obliterating the civility. From this weekend, the battle will approach fever pitch. A week is a long time in politics, and I pray the only explosive devices used will be words and ideas.
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Also at fever pitch are the wedding invitations, now that all those couples who were delaying their nuptials because of the election have finalised their dates. However, annual commemorations remain in place as they always have. My parents’ 39th wedding anniversary was yesterday and today my older brother turns 36.
Thankfully, my only speech during the campaign period will be a family affair.
Tunku Abidin Muhriz is president of IDEAS.