The forthcoming by-election in Permatang Pauh should be taken by all parties in their stride. There is no need to get all worked-up and emotional about it.

Elections, being what they are, have to be addressed objectively, without negative overtones and innuendos. If there are issues attached to the polls, such as allegations of sodomy and murder, then let the law take its course as far as such things are concerned.

Some people tend to predict the outcome of elections, but it is best to let the political Parties conduct their campaign and allow the voters to decide. There should be no form of intimidation, underhand tactics, foul play, threats and bribery. Candidates should tell the people what they plan to do for them, and not deliver irrelevant, high-level rhetoric, or worse, indulge in character assassination; it may be good to listen to, but does little to advance the lot of the common man.

Anything can happen with people’s perceptions. But they have to realise that there seems to be too much pre-occupation with accusations, counter-accusations, court cases and trial by media.

The good voters of Permatang Pauh have to decide upon who can uplift the economy and improve development of their constituency in these trying times. Who can give them new schools, clinics, infrastructure, affordable housing and assist them in agricultural activities? These are essential bread and butter issues that matter most to them. They must choose the candidate whose voice in Parliament will be better heard by the Federal authorities. Can a firebrand opposition leader, however high-profile, achieve this, rather than a steady, hard-working local person who has the backing of the central Government’s machinery?

There are those who say that such things don’t matter any more. “Don’t play the development card,” they cry. However, in the light of the world economic situation, including fuel and food price uncertainties, and falling commodity values, a realistic and rational view should be the order of the day. One should also look at States controlled by the opposition. Are they doing all that well?

Meanwhile, the business community and international investors remain uneasy over the question of political stability; it is having an effect on commerce. Like it or not, to them, stability is directly proportional to a comfortable Parliamentary majority by the ruling BN Government, in spite of its shortcomings. The point was illustrated by a fall in the stock market after the March 8th general elections, and its continued lackluster performance, notwithstanding world economic pressures. Voters should ponder over this, as things like employment and living standards are at stake.

Wisdom, combined with a little common sense, must light the way.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.