FEB 22 — Democracy is neither all about elections nor debates. After the highly anticipated debate, its subsequent developments, impact on national politics, as well as inspiration and reflection it brings something worthy to look forward to.
What have we seen and learned along the way of democracy?
Obviously, we need to learn harder and absorb more democratic essence through various ways, instead of focusing only on debates.
Debate is just a process of election, and a pre-election skirmish. A debate cannot change the political landscape, as well as voters’ tendency and political views. Therefore, the public should focus on more important public issues after a debate. It is not necessary to quarrel over the question of who is the winner and who is the loser, or spend resources on pointless arguments.
No matter whether the next general election will be coming soon or not, it is still worthy of our concern. We should expect more from the candidates of the two major coalitions, while paying more attention to the election process.
Although the debate between Chua and Lim was not good enough to set a model, it still brings a positive significance and impact. It is also a manifestation of democracy to have debates in the civil society after the debate on stage. However, members of the public should focus only on the main issue without deliberately complicating it and turning it into a “mud fight”.
Politics should be a little more rational and less fanatical. I have repeatedly made the appeal as some events that should not happen have taken place recently. For example, Johor PAS deputy commissioner’s home was hit by an arson attack two weeks ago, setting two cars on fire and exploded. Also, Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s car was pounded and dented by a group of youngsters when he was on his way to Sembrong, Johor for a ceramah. One person was wounded in the incident.
Regardless of who is the victim, such political violence should not be bred and deserves the highest condemnation. The police should take prompt actions to investigate and arrest those involved to stop the unhealthy political culture.
Democracy is good, democratic debate is good and democratic two-party system is good. However, all must be done well or they could lead to a disaster. A debate will lose its significance when it digresses and the two-party system will become a poor democracy if it deviates from the right track.
Therefore, it is not enough to only talk about democracy as it should include many elements. In addition to transparent and fair elections, open and self-disciplined freedom of expression, an oversight mechanism of mutual check and balance, free and fearless citizen participation, it should also include rejecting all kinds of violence, restoring the spirit of rational criticism and possessing characteristics like tolerance and humanistic views. Democracy is really good only when it consists the above mentioned elements. — mysinchew.com
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
