MUCH has already been said about how MH370’s mystery and tragedy has united the nation. However, the declaration of national unity and the call for citizens to remain united because of the tragedy, by Umno politicians in particular, is hypocritical and duplicitous.
Election Commission
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Constituency redelineation and citizen vigilance
By Wong Chin Huat
AMID furore over banned words and price hikes, the redelineation of electoral boundaries is the next big thing that Malaysian voters must not let slip without close scrutiny. Political scientist Dr Wong Chin Huat explains the issues to look out for in this upcoming exercise.
Malaysia’s compromised electoral system
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
Our electoral system is in a mess, the People’s Tribunal organised by Bersih 2.0 heard recently. How did it get this way and who is responsible for our compromised electoral system?
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Beyond election petitions
By Jacqueline Ann Surin
POST-GE13, both BN and PR lodged election petitions against the polls results in several seats. Why bother with election petitions? And what else do citizens need to be aware of and be vigilant about if Malaysians are to get a cleaner and fairer electoral system come GE14?
Strengthening parliamentary democracy
By Deborah Loh
The majority of MPs who responded to MP Watch want parliamentary democracy strengthened. Two top suggestions for doing this were reforming election practices and having parliamentary select committees.
Galvanising the overseas vote
By Jacqueline Ann Surin
IT is likely that this is the first general election since Malaya’s independence, otherwise known as GE13, that overseas Malaysians have consciously organised themselves to return home to vote. Just who are these Malaysians? What sacrifices are they making in order to vote? And what is motivating them?
Malaysia’s electoral system
Sourced from MyConstitution’s Rakyat GuidesFREE and fair elections are essential to a democratic system of governance. Citizens have the right to choose who they want to govern them, and elections are a way for voters to hold those they elect accountable. Find out more about Malaysia’s electoral system in this exclusive essay.
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Why allow overseas Malaysians to vote?
By Ding Jo-Ann
FOR the first time, all eligible Malaysians abroad may be able to vote by post. This will be welcome news to the approximately one million Malaysians working and living overseas. But should these Malaysians be entitled to vote? And will this affect the outcome of the next general election?
Doubtful votes — can they change an election outcome?
By Deborah Loh
Are Malaysians sufficiently educated on how to vote? It is widely assumed that marking “X” next to a candidate’s name is the only legitimate way to vote. It is not. Civil society groups now train volunteers to be election monitors, booth agents and polling and counting agents. They also cover training on doubtful votes, due to concerns that dubiously marked ballots could end up influencing an election outcome. Can this really happen?
The stories of Bersih 3.0
Work in Progress by Hwa Yue-Yi
IF you’re a Malaysian reading this, you will have seen what happened at Bersih 3.0. Whether or not you were in Kuala Lumpur on 28 April, or glued to Facebook or Twitter, you must have encountered images, videos, or reports of the colossal rally that started as a festive sit-in and ended in tear gas. […]
