GE15: November adrenalin for Malaysians

ALL political parties and Malaysians at large have found an answer to the dilemma they had been wrestling with. The mandate will once again be granted to the people. The right to vote has been reinstated, and they should make the most of this opportunity.

The atmosphere of this year’s general election is significantly different from that of 2018. Political party members and people in this country have five questions they find puzzling, as is the practice during elections.

The first question has been answered by the Oct 10 dissolution of parliament. Some are in favour while others are opposed. The second concern is the Election Commission’s announcement that the election would be held on Nov 19, which pushes candidates to begin drafting their individual manifestos.

Next follows the expectation of the election results and the uncertainty of which party will win.

Nonetheless, the emergence of a new government that will be more reflective of the people is causing the people some concern. Confusion reigns on the formation of a new government that would guide the nation’s administrative structure.

Lastly the most anticipated question concerns the federal budget following the formation of a new government. The incoming administration will either present a new budget or continue with the one tabled before dissolution.

The responsibility of the people to form a government that will serve the people is a fundamental aspect of our parliamentary democracy. This restored mandate must be implemented with respect. Voter preparation must be seen from three fundamental different viewpoints: the track records of the competing political parties, the candidates, and the manifestos designed to win votes.

To avoid later-announced election results from being challenged and utilised as a political issue, these three matters must be handled through arbitration.

There have been suggestions for the government to be replaced for a very long time. During a span of four years and six months, three prime ministers were replaced, demonstrating the inability of every government to perform the greatest possible political services. There are still arguments and political prejudices, and this soap opera continues seemingly without end.

This country’s internal political struggle appears to have no end in sight. It is quite difficult to establish a compromise. This type of circumstance always compels the people to criticise the administrative system’s instability and weakness.

The restored mandate must be carried out, notwithstanding the fact that attention must also be paid to the impending floods (depending on the weather forecast at the time). The people must address this issue adequately. Voting while concurrently preparing for the flooding situation will obviously bring a number of obstacles.

People should accept every situation with an open mind and carry out their duties as honestly as possible. We hope that the election results this time will demonstrate a consensus choice to form an accountable and effective government.

In order to preserve the nation’s political stability, the laws of a legitimate government that cares about the well-being and interests of its population must be observed.

To prevent this administration’s legacy from being tainted by a political culture that should not be passed on to future generations, the parliamentary democratic system and constitutional monarchy must be preserved.

** Dr Nur Aida Kipli (PhD) is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.

The views expressed here are those of the analyst and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.