ELECTION EPIDEMIC

Democratic activities seem to be alive and kicking all over the world. We saw presidential elections in South Korea and Republic of China (Taiwan). Last weekend the Pakistanis went to the polls. And Kosovo - the Kosovans didn't vote but the government took the province out of Serbia to become an independent state with the support and blessings of the EU and US.

And here in Malaysia we'll be casting our ballots on March 08. That'll be the 12th General Elections since our Merdeka (independence) in 1957. No doubt the ruling National Front (BN) coalition will once again win - for the 12th time. But the talk is about by what margin. The last time in 2004, the BN garnered 92% of the 222 seats in Parliament. That victory came in the wake of the end of an era under Dr Mahathir Mohammad and a new beginning under current Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Paklah as he is fondly addressed.

I have had the honour of having interviewed Paklah for a radio programme. He was then Minister of Education. I found him to be unassuming and humble and very friendly. He apologized profusely as I had to wait 2 hours beyond the appointed time due to the stream of visitors to see him. He came into the room, kicked off his shoes, plomped on the settee and invited me to sit next to him.

He asked me how well our radio programmes were being received / utilized by the schools. When I told him not as well as expected, he said that was not what he was told in a briefing by the department head. Well, that's what little "napoleons" do - say what the boss wants to hear - everything is hunky-dory. I was proven "correct, correct, correct" years later when the Ministry of Education decided to shut down the Educational Radio unit. If the unit was doing that well (90% usage) why shut down? But the discontinuation of the educational radio service was indeed an illogical move as it was like "cutting off the nose to spite the face". One must improve the service to attract users.

Coming back to democracy and elections - Kenya is a terrible example of democracy gone wrong - when there is no transparency and free and fair voting - chaos will be the result. Hundreds have died in post election violence and the situation continues without agreement between the opposing parties.

In Malaysia, we expect a violence free General Elections on March 08. We have learnt our lesson from what happened in 1969. There are laws to prevent political parties from going overboard with their speeches which can cause tension between the various ethnic communities.

But the mother of all elections must be the upcoming US presidential election. Do you follow the ongoing political circus in that country? Frankly, I enjoy watching it. Have I taken sides? Well, of cos! Simply because Barrack Obama is not only a non-white but also he appeals to the common man and the young. He is seen as one of them. Has the charisma and the ability to get across the message of Change! MacCain will be the extension of George Bush's terrible and horrible presidency. Hillary Clinton - apart from being touted as the first female contender - nothing much there.

We'll be bombarded with plenty of "I'll do this" and "I'll do that" from nomination day till ballotting. Let's take that with a pinch of salt. I don't have much trust in politicians, really. Can't blame me for that, can you? Look at the crooked ones - the 'close one eye' guy and the guy who built a palace without approval from the authorities, the list is endless.