Shorter campaign period ensures national security

V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia

The short election campaign has been a bone of contention since the 1974 general election when the period reserved for the canvassing of votes was reduced to about nine days.

After seven general elections, the Opposition is still arguing that the time given to put across its message is too short and more time should be set aside for this purpose.

The Government has not come to this policy without solid reasons. It has been found that a long campaign, for up to a month in the 1969 general election, had a devastating effect on the political stability of the country.

No doubt a longer campaign was desirable but the reality is that some candidates and their supporters were quite prepared to cross the line in their eagerness to win votes.

They resorted to using racial attacks on each other and this unfettered style of winning support was to have a disastrous impact on the nation resulting in the May 13 riots in 1969.

The racial disturbance had led to the realization that this manner of politicking was no longer acceptable and it was decided that some strong measures were needed to prevent any future racial incident.

Whatever the critics may say about the Internal Security Act and the Sedition Act, the truth is that such legislation has helped to reduce tension as tough action is taken against those who continue to make such racial remarks aimed at hurting the feelings of those subjected to such abuse.

While a small minority may feel that a short electoral campaign is against the democratic principles as seen through Western eyes, the majority is quite happy that peace and stability has been maintained.

Racial harmony is definitely much more important than a perceived loss of democracy and it is up to the political parties involved in the election to work within the law.

In any case, the candidates, other than a few Independents, are contesting the election through their respective parties and the voters should be familiar with their platforms and objectives.

So it may seem the new candidates will be at a disadvantage as they will have little time to make themselves known to the voters. But this affects both new faces from the Barisan Nasional and the Opposition.

However, the people must realize that whatever some of them may complain about the present system, the fact remains that the elections have been conducted fairly and every qualified citizen has the chance to vote or to become a candidate.

This is something precious and it is up to all citizens to register as a voter and to exercise their democratic right to choose the government of their choice.