Column Contributor – Dr Thor Teong Gee

After the 12th general election, when the people are still finding difficulties to accept the polling results, and in the process of adjusting state of mind, civil society, political analysts and political leaders began talking about two-party system, the non racial political trend and Barisan National will be more open-minded and pragmatic to regain power over the lost districts. However, after one year, have the people gained any better “political product” in this unique process of political development?

It is inevitable for a sound democratic system to have an excellent oppositionparty to monitor and balance the ruling party so as to prevent the ruling partyfrom becoming hegemonic and arrogant to do whatever they like. Absolute powercorrupts absolutely. So while having a capable and efficient government to rulethe country, an equally capable and constructive opposition party is also required to play an important role in check and balance

It is widely accepted that those who win the hearts of the people will be given the mandate. Politicians should reflect on how to serve the people, and not always thinking about how to gain more power. In this way, it will not be an easy task for the opposition party to change the regime. If both the ruling and the opposition parties are evenly matched with excellent quality, then this will lead to a better political environment and conditions for the growth of the people and the country.

Gerakan should endure hardships with patience, back to the founding spirit and ideas 40 years ago, and practising high-quality politics, to create a fair, reasonable and open democratic society for the benefit of the people of all ethnic groups.

by Dr Thor Teong Gee
Penang E-Communication & Publication BUREAU Chairman