Election issues

What are the political issues that differentiate the Barisan Nasional (National Front) from the Opposition in the coming Malaysian General Elections on March 21? What are the issues the Malaysian public are most concerned about?

Certainly, corruption in public office is high on the agenda. If the Barisan Nasional (BN) fields candidates with less than a pristine reputation, candidates who have a chequered past, candidates with a reputation for being skirt-lifters, candidates who are well-past their expiry date, they have only themselves to blame if they do not win with the majority they expect.

Yes, it is true, the BN will win by a two-thirds majority. They may not be able to regain Kelantan or Terengganu. They may even lose Kedah and Perlis. One or two "big name" BN MPs will certainly lose their seats. Many BN candidates will win, albeit with a narrower majority. All of that is almost a dead certainty.

The Malaysian population would like to see more good work done by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA). To this end, they will not vote for candidates who are known to be less than upright. The BN has to ensure that they field reputable candidates. To not do this, would be to court disaster ~ political suicide, even.

Malaysians are a little intolerant of PAS, the main Opposition party, because of its inflexible "Islamic State" policies. However, the electorate is willing to send a strong message to the BN by voting for PAS if the BN fields the wrong candidates. MPs and Ministers who have over-stayed their terms in office should not be fielded. Young blood is what is needed, especially in the MIC and Gerakan (component BN parties).

While mega-projects like Putrajaya and the Twin Towers are seen as a waste of public money by the population, infrastructure projects are most welcomed. The new highways on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, for example, have alleviated much of the traffic congestion in KL and are much appreciated. So have the PUTRA, STAR, Aerobus and KTM Kommuter railway systems. A promise to revive the North-South double-tracking railway system, while much appreciated, is not exactly an election issue, though.

The economy is on the mend. Unemployment is not an election issue. In any case, it is doubtful if the Opposition can do a better job with the economy. So, the economy is not an election issue.

Anwar Ibrahim is a non-issue. In fact, most Malaysians are certainly quite fed-up of hearing his name and wish he'd just die; if not for anything, so that they can forgot this whole sordid episode. Similarly, the DAP, a has-been opposition political party, is history.

So, really, except for the corruption issue, which the government can do something about by making some well-timed high-profile arrests in the next two weeks; and by fielding young and upright candidates, this election is going to be one characterized by the lack of issues.

Go and vote in the morning and then sit back, relax and watch Formula 1 on the telly at 3 pm.