The PM must openly state that he will respect the voters” wish and guarantee a peaceful transfer of power if PR wins a majority in the Parliament in t

Part 1 : Speech by M.Kula Segaran, MP for Ipoh Barat and DAP National Vice Chairman in Parliament while debating the Royal Speech on Wednesday, 14thMarch, 2012

The PM must openly state that he will respect the voters” wish and guarantee a peaceful transfer of power if PR wins a majority in the Parliament in the next general election.

The 13th General Elections may be held anytime now. The general feeling is that as the BN led government is giving many goodies like the Rm500 for those who are earning a family income of less than Rm3k, announcement of building of 6 new Tamil schools, etc , the election is just around the corner.

What is more important is for the BN led Government to ensure that the next general election is free, fair, clean and transparent. It is hoped that the various suggestions made by the Parliamentary Select Committee on the election reform will be implemented.

In particular upon dissolving of the Parliament, the role of the government is just as a care taker government and it has to play only that role. In the previous elections, BN has constantly abused its care taker status and function by using the government machinery, money and media to further strengthen and enhance its hold and standing with the voters.

During an election, a government should restrict itself - in matters of policy, expenditure and appointments - to activity that is: a) routine, or b) non-controversial, or c) urgent and in the public interest, or d) reversible by a new government without undue cost or disruption, or e) agreed to by the Opposition (in those cases where consultation is appropriate).

I dare to say the coming General Election will be the dirtiest and most fiercely fought elections ever.

The political scenario has changed a lot since the last 2008 elections when the BN Government lost its 2/3 majority in Parliament. The Government must realize and accept that if voted out it has to go pea fully. But will it?

Many political skeptics say BN will cling on to power even by devious means.

Look how BN stole power in Perak. Although BN lost power in the 2008 elections and obtained only 46% percent votes, it wriggled its way by getting 3 PR assembly man to become independents and then formed the government. The PM was the main man behind this seizure of power in2009. He has this good experience" which he may use it again if PR captures PutraJaya.

It is widely speculated PR will do well in the coming general election, but will the PM and BN hand over power to PR? Will PM and BN honour the people’s mandate?

The PM must openly state that he will respect the voters” wish and guarantee a peaceful transfer of power if PR wins a majority in the Parliament in the next general election.

Data Sri Najib must also ensure that the next election will be free fair and clean where voters can make informed decisions freely.