ELECTIONS ‘08 DAILY FACTSHEET #10: POLLING DAY CPPS is pleased to have brought to you its “CPPS Daily Policy Factsheets” over the past two weeks as a build-up to the Malaysian General Elections 2008. In this daily series between nominations and polling day, we have explored key policy issues that we felt were important in informing your voting decision. Policy decisions made by leaders have a direct effect on your life as a citizen, and the elections is this one crucial time you decide on your leaders. We hope these fact sheets have been useful policy briefs as you decide whom to vote for. Here’s to an educated and informed voting public in Malaysia! To view ALL our policy factsheets in PDF, click here . To view complete versions on all parties’ constitutions and manifestos, please click here The run-up to the 12 th General Elections in Malaysia has juxtaposed security, peace and prosperity against calls for justice, equality and accountability. 13 days of long hard campaigning have seen the rise of verbal attacks, launch of party manifestos, 10,000- odd crowds at ceramahs, and heated debates behind computer screens as both sides woo individuals through websites and weblogs. One day before the nation’s 10.2 million voters go to the polling booths, citizens sit at home, offices and mamaks contemplating their final decision for the big day. Malaysia, as most other countries, conducts national-level elections because she believes it is a necessary feature in democracy. After 50 years of independence, it is true that significant progress has taken place, with economic growth and relative stability, all steps towards a developed nation. Nevertheless, the hallmarks of a true democracy surely include elements other than progressive wealth. Surely pillars such as the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, equal and fair representation, the rule of law amongst others – and the enforcement of the same – count for something. Has Malaysia these elements of democracy? Governments are put into power by the people. Parliamentary and state representatives are in place to precisely represent the citizens whom they serve. The concept of leadership then needs serious revision, to viewing politicians as subservient to its public, a notion difficult to grasp in a highly hierarchical Asian socio-cultural context. The question is – what demands are you (as masters) making of your candidates, and how will you hold them accountable to their glorious promises post-elections? EDITORIAL Some of you might still be struggling to decide on which flag to mark tomorrow. Some issues that we have outlined in our policy fact sheet series over the past 2 weeks may help you to make informed and intelligent choices. The CPPS believes in the principles of integrity, public accountability, good governance and equal competition. Its stands are articulated fully in the Merdeka Statement and Young Malaysians’ Consensus Document . The final decision is simply for you to make. Post-elections, where do we go from here? It is necessary to note that an election is not the only method through which citizens’ voices should be heard. Constitutional and legal recognition of local democracy is needed to allow citizen participation in local, state and federal level policy-making processes. Civil society has the right to question its leaders in between elections. Finally, CPPS reiterates its stand to provide space for public debate and policy dialogue, allowing voices from either ends to reach the other. In the long run, we envision a political culture based on ideology and policy – not race. We laud what we view as the beginning of younger Malaysians taking some ownership of the political process through participation in the elections as candidates. Nevertheless, we reiterate the need for immediate electoral reform as highlighted in yesterday’s factsheet, the result of which would then validate fully Malaysia’s claim to being a full democracy in the right sense of the word. With that, we wish you all the best tomorrow. Happy voting! Did you find our Daily Policy Factsheets helpful? Please send feedback to [email protected] on which in particular were useful in helping you make your decision. The CPPS will also produce monthly policy factsheets – indicate which other areas you are most concerned with. Correction: Factsheet #9 stated that there were 219 parliament seats. It should be 222 parliament seats. CPPS apologizes for the mistake and any inconvenience caused.