KUALA TERENGGANU – The state elections to be held in six states next month, which is the National Month, will be a clash between celebrating democracy and the country’s freedom.
According to experts, it is important to have a balanced participation or involvement by all parties in order to showcase the love for the country and the spirit of patriotism during National Month, despite the six states being preoccupied with election matters.
A senior lecturer at the Faculty of General Studies and Advanced Education, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Abdullah Ibrahim believes that political parties should show the same enthusiasm in displaying the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang, to fuel National Day celebrations as they do in putting up their own posters and flags.
“Indonesia, our neighbouring country, is also conducting campaigns for their upcoming 2024 general election. It would be beneficial for our candidates to follow their example and end their speeches with a unifying goal of making our national flag, Jalur Gemilang, proud.
“Regardless of their political party, our candidates should encourage their supporters to fly and wave the flag, which symbolises our country’s prosperity and sovereignty,” he told Bernama.
Meanwhile, political analyst Sivamurugan Pandian, in recalling the country’s history, noted that Malaysia’s independence in 1957 was the outcome of negotiations between political parties that were formed through the electoral system.
“The presence of leadership, political parties, and freedom fighters who struggled for independence was a direct result of the mass political movement. We should definitely celebrate this aspect of politics and independence because they complement each other.
“Coincidentally the six state elections fall in August causing the political temperature to boil even more,” he added.
Sivamurugan, who is also a member of the National Unity Advisory Council, said the “habit” of Malaysians celebrating the National Month only in August is inappropriate, as the content for the National Day celebration should be ongoing.
The Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer concluded that the literacy level of Malaysians in appreciating the country’s independence is still “weak”.
Sivamurugan is of the view that candidates running for election should prioritise promoting good values and a sense of patriotism during their campaign instead of resorting to attacking their opponents’ character.
“They can play politics, but don’t ignore issues of statehood. They should be honourable figures who display courtesy, and politeness, as well as possess a high level of common sense, good manners, and sound judgment.
“Apart from campaigning, they (candidates) should educate and encourage people to protect the country’s sovereignty, not just play politics,” he added.
This year’s National Day 2023 celebration on August 31, with the theme “Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan” (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope), will be held in Putrajaya.
The Election Commission has set polling for the elections in the six states, namely Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan, as well as the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, to be held simultaneously on August 12.
The Kuala Terengganu by-election would be held following the decision of the Terengganu Election Court on last June 27 in annulling the victory of PAS’ Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim in the 15th general election.
The nomination was held yesterday, while early voting is on Aug 8.
The campaigning period is 14 days starting yesterday (July 29) and will end at 11.59 pm on August 11. – Bernama, July 30, 2023
