SOME countries move from relatively democratic systems to more authoritarian ones such as Malaysia in the 1970s. Others from authoritarianism toward democracy. What can the experiences of these other countries tell us about where we go from GE13? And what choices lie ahead of those who want change?
Pakatan Rakyat
A minority government in power
By Refsa
HOW did a minority coalition get into power in Malaysia’s recent general election? Refsa explains how the BN secured less popular votes than PR and yet still won more seats in Parliament.
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Beyond GE13 (Part 1)
By Ding Jo-Ann
AND so the BN is still in power. Those hoping for a change in government are still coming to terms with the results of GE13. The Nut Graph asks political scientist Wong Chin Huat how the BN won, why it would racialise the poll results, and what needs to happen next.
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Beyond GE13 (Part 2)
By Ding Jo Ann
WITH the DAP’s strong showing at GE13, should the Opposition Leader come from DAP? And will PAS continue with its calls for an Islamic state and hudud? And why didn’t Sabah and Sarawak deliver much-needed votes to PR?
Towards national reconciliation
Reductio ad Absurdum by Chan Kheng Hoe
NATIONAL reconciliation requires all our cooperation and input. It cannot just be accomplished by the PM alone. What can be done?
Wins and defeats in GE13
By The Nut Graph team
THE Nut Graph speaks to political observers and analysts for a quick reaction to the results of GE13.
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.
Not enough reforms for GE13
By Andrew Khoo
TO what extent have Bersih 2.0’s demands for a clean, free and fair election been met? What new measures have been introduced thus far as Malaysia heads to the polls on 5 May 2013 and are they good enough?
MPs and separation of powers
By Deborah Loh
While most of the MPs who were voted in in 2008 believe in the separation of powers between the three pillars of government, up to 40% of those who replied to MP Watch say the concept is not fully practised in Malaysia. This is especially because the executive is too powerful.
Manipulating the news: A public disservice
By Ding Jo-Ann
DING Jo-Ann highlights how the traditional media has manipulated the facts in two instances in the current general election. Such distortions harm public discourse and deeper understanding of issues, so crucial to us in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.
