TRUTH OR BOVINE EXCRETA?

The Malaysian National News Agency [BERNAMA]

BERNAMA could that be an acronym for-

Bringing Every Reader News Articles Manipulated Always?

"Election and Democracy in Malaysia

Rashidah Abd Ghani, Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Fri:15 Feb.2008

“The general election will see 10.9 million voters exercising their right to choose a government under the nation’s democratic system.

Nomination day falls on Feb 24, followed by polling day on March 8.

The general election gives the people the right to choose elected representatives, from candidates nominated by political parties or those who stand as independents, in Parliament or the Dewan Rakyat at federal level and the State Legislative Assembly.

The political party which wins the majority of seats in the Dewan Rakyat will form the government at federal level, while the political party which secures the majority of seats in the State Assembly will helm the state government.

Election is an important aspect in a country which practices the system of democracy, like Malaysia.

The election process in Malaysia is handled by an independent body known as the Election Commission (EC), which normally, introduces several changes in every election.

For the current general election, it will be the use of transparent ballot Since gaining independence five decades ago, world leaders have sung praises of Malaysia’s ability to sustain democracy through fair elections.

Such praise, coupled with congratulatory messages which Malaysia normally receives after every general election, reflects the confidence of the world leaders in its election system.

Among world leaders who have praised Malaysia are United States President George W. Bush, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, as well as leaders of ASEAN member countries.

Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has expressed confidence that the coming general election would be more transparent, following measures taken by the EC.

The freedom given to the people to choose their candidates and the acceptance of the result of a general election by all quarters, are indications of a democratic process.

Lee said the introduction of transparent boxes, indelible ink and absence of serial numbers on ballot papers, showed there was democracy in the process. Democracy in Malaysian elections is also evident, with there being no bloodshed, unlike in some countries.
According to Lee, despite stiff competition among political parties contesting for seats, the election process was carried out smoothly as all quarters make an effort to ensure the election was carried out peacefully.” — BERNAMA

NOTE: The 'bolding' of the font and underlining above, is mine.

There is a need to very carefully read between the lines when reading BERNAMA articles and the one above is no exception.

Note the reference to “the nation’s democratic system” or as it has been called before by some ‘democracy Malaysian style’, this Malaysian form of democracy it not really democracy at all, it is more like a benevolent dictatorship-authoritarian style of one party governance.

Note the reference to Election and Democracy in Malaysia, and the Election Commission being as “independent body”, this independence is debatable, if past actions are any measure of the independence of the Malaysian EC.

Note the reference to supposedly congratulatory messages by so called ‘world leaders’ Bush, Blair & Koizumi.

Note that the local personality mentioned ‘Lee Lam Thye has expressed confidence’
LLT has been called a turncoat and he now known to be a strong supporter of the Barisan National, in short LLT is a loyal BN ‘yes-man’. His expressed confidence, means that the voters have a very good reason to be concerned!

Is LLT still a social activist?
Nowadays LLT is more like an active Barisan Nationist?

Transparent ballot boxes, third-world style marking fingers with indelible ink, the absence of ballot paper serial numbers, and the lack of bloodshed, do not make an election free, fair and transparent.

There are known cases of persons, especially those within the armed forces, who may have multiple voter registrations, using both their civilian identity card number and their armed forces identity card number, and perhaps a postal vote as well, and many other discrepancies have been highlighted.

Note the references to ‘indications of a democratic process’. Mere indications, are certainly not proof of a free and fair democratic process.

Having read between the lines, my opinion is that the above article is pure and unadulterated spin, propaganda, misinformation or whatever you may like to call it,

I would prefer classify this article, entitled:

“Election and democracy in Malaysia"

as,

A HEAP OF PURE BULLSHIT

SAY NO TO BULLSHIT,

SAY NO TO YES-MEN!

SAY YES TO FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS, TRUE DEMOCRACY, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION,

VOTE FOR CHANGE

Bene tibi!