Date of publication: 05-05-2013
Some time late tonight or early tomorrow the world will have a good idea of which way the dice fell in most hostile Malaysia general elections disputed.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, son and nephew of the former Prime Ministers, began the campaign by expressing "cautious optimism" for his statement that Barisan Nasional (BN) opportunities. He ended up on a high note, waxing confidence by a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Anwar Ibrahim, the biggest name of the opposition, has said publicly that large crowds at meetings organized by Pakatan Rakyat should not translate in his vote. But he, too, is convinced that the popular force with him.
A survey by the respected Merdeka Center released last Friday night had their chances for about even, with 46 of the 222 parliamentary constituencies are too close to call. A closer look at the survey points out that the challengers could be ahead by a nose in Peninsula Malaysia, an advantage that could be by the available resources for the incumbent neutralized and steadfast support for BN of the Borneo States Sarawak and Sabah.
Even without surveys predicting a tight race and the forces unleashed by a resurgent opposition facing a determined Government, there was enough tension in the run-up to Malaysia the 13th parliamentary elections, with people who are emotionally invested as never before.
With 2.5 million new names among the eligible voters of 13.3 million, there is an unprecedented number of young and first-timers heading to polling booths today. Political surveys shows that more young people support the opposition.
In some families there is a splitting generations direction. Other fault lines can be displayed as the count proceeds.
Today, fully three quarters of the Malaysians city dwellers. It is with the urban crowd that opposition members have found the most traction.
Electoral boundaries redrawn in 2003, however, last not match this reality, whereby an overwhelming number of seats in the areas listed as "countryside". Since the Umno base really the rural hinterland, this may lead to a situation where the final seat distribution reflect not the popular vote. That could leave some with a sense of have robbed.
There is also a lack of trust. With almost every major mainstream media outlet controlled by people close to the ruling coalition, have people flocking to the Internet and social media to an alternate view turned. Any Government announcement is subject to an amazing level of control and skepticism.
And then there's race.
The BN-and its predecessor, the Alliance-Malaysia has reigned for nearly six decades on a comprehensive compact that the three main racial groups-Malays, Chinese and Indians-under the umbrella. But Chinese contempt for the party Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) BN-component-has risen, research reveals. In 2008, MCA disputed 40 seats in the Parliament and won just 15. This time, is contesting 37 seats, and even so, some party officials fear a serious setback.
Should that happen and BN prevail, as it seems sure to do that, the Coalition will appear tomorrow morning as Malay group, seemingly devoid of Chinese support. On the other hand, the rising stock Chinese-oriented democratic action of the party with the Community help propel the opposition to power, leading to fear that the Chinese greater representation in Cabinet and firing Malay will demand uncertainties.
These are the scenarios that Malaysians will have to tackle after the election. It will in all likelihood, a situation that will take a little getting used to. A first-past-the-post system has inherent flaws that leave it unable to complete due to the ground.
"The reality is that no one side can claim absolute support of the people," said English The daily Star in an editorial yesterday. "Yet, when the mandate is given, they must do their best are relevant to all. We must let go of the bitterness of the campaign and you can work on reconciliation and healing. "
For all these reasons, it is important for Malaysians to remain calm as they digest the results.
Police chief Ismail Omar has vowed that his men would keep the peace as a professional force, even as rumors of possible unrest much to stock up on food and essentials.
The last time Malaysia saw race riots, it was after a general election in 1969. Parliament was then suspended for a year, never to be a development on the modern Malaysian state wished.
This year campaign period began with a sense of bonhomie as some of the largest rivals shook hands and went for breakfast together. Malaysia the neighbours and the wider world, will I wish for an equally heartfelt conclusion for the electoral process.
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