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Syerleena Abdul Rashid The Malaysian Insider 6 February 2015

According to The Economist Intelligence Units Democracy Index, only 12.5% of the worlds population in under governments that practice full democracy. The EIU index further identifies that only 24 countries are ull democracies whereas 52 countries are regarded as flawed democracies. Malaysia, our great nation, is one of these countries.

Flawed democracies are defined as countries that even with the presence of free and fair elections,therein lay considerable drawbacks and limitations that magnifies the inadequacy of present political systems.

Although basic liberties or rights are recognised, they may sometimes only exist in theory and may not be practiced or applied.

A good example would be how Article 10 in our Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, assembly and association: (a) every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; (b) all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) all citizens have the right to form associations; but reality paints a grim picture of how such freedom have been greatly curtailed under the pretext to preserve peace and order.

The term democracy comprises of two Greek words, demos (people) and kratis (power), which simply denotes the idea of people power where citizens are given the authority to create governments, laws and regulations.

Additionally, the very same citizens have the power to see certain governments come to an end.

An ideal and true democratic government provides its people with excellent education, good healthcare, affordable housing and present equal opportunities to all. Under this concept, democracy simply recognises that all women and men are created equal and should live in safe environments away from conflict, devastation and disorder.

Unfortunately for Malaysians, there are those within the ruling regime and several elected leaders who do not believe in that understanding of democracy.

Who can forget Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlans suggestion that our country is at greater risk of greater polarisation of race should local government election is mandated, or PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, who warned Malaysians that if such elections were to be held, our country could see another May 13.

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Comment on Malaysias flawed democracy by Noble House