IMPORTANCE OF ELECTION IN MALAYSIA

 

IMPORTANCE OF ELECTION IN MALAYSIA

Author: Iman, Aiman, Nureen, Aleeya, Syakir, & Afifah

            In a democratic system of government, an election is important to all citizens. Every citizen should be responsible for staying informed about current political developments. They should take part in the process of electing national leaders as well as determining the form of government and democratic governance pattern through elections. There is some importance of election in Malaysia that we can learn. First of all, the election is considered the most effective mechanism for selecting competent legislative leaders according to the Reid Commission. The election allows citizens to freely choose and determine their leaders. The Reid Commission's proposed system was tested, with the first election held in 1955. It is hoped that the electoral system will allow Malaya to evolve into a truly democratic state in which everyone can choose their leaders to represent the voice of the people and enact national laws. Electing a credible leader or elected representative to rule at the federal or state level through a fair electoral process can help to improve Malaysia's government system. It also allows citizens to determine the direction of development in their area based on their lifestyle and economic activities. Indirectly, this can serve to strengthen people's and the country's unity, ensure political stability, and develop the country's economy.

            Next, the election is important because it can gain the trust of the public. The role of electoral institutions, particularly the Election Commission (EC or SPR), is defined in the Constitution as an independent institution that is not accountable to any political party, government, or political party. Only the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) can appoint EC members after consulting with the Majlis Raja. When appointing EC members, the YDPA should also consider how important it is for the Election Commission to gain public trust. Furthermore, because these EC members cannot be removed arbitrarily, the process of removing any of these members is as difficult as removing any judge (high court and above). The Election Commission is likened to a judge in a battle between political parties in an election. A referee in a competition must be objective and not biased in favor of any player. The neutral attitude meant that the Election Commission was given the trust and power to ensure free and fair elections. A fair and free election not only reflects the will of the people but also becomes an international standard on the level of integrity of human rights. As we can see, Malaysia's electoral system has provided justice to all parties, whether the people or the leaders.

            Last but not least, the importance of election in Malaysia has allowed the country's parliamentary democracy system to survive to this day. At the grassroots level, citizens can learn and understand the true meaning of democracy. People can learn about the process of electing leaders and, ultimately, forming a government through elections. People can indirectly appreciate, respect, and appreciate the concept of free speech. Not only that, election helps to streamline administration at both the central and state levels. As a result, local government officials and staff will be able to easily implement their work and policies because there will be no more state and central government intervention. The federal and state governments can concentrate on their respective policies at the federal and state levels without interference or grievances at the grassroots level. This will undoubtedly improve the work culture in the public sector. Having a stable government will make the people feel safer and more secure.

REFERENCES

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·         Peri pentingnya proses pilihan raya - The Malaysian Bar. (2010, November 23). Malaysia Bar Badan Peguam Malaysia. https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/about-us/committees/constitutional-law-committee/peri-pentingnya-proses-pilihan-raya

·         S. (2014, October 8). modul sejarah spm kertas 3 2014 - set 5. Shinichipedia. http://bukushinichi.blogspot.com/2014/10/contoh-soalan-jawapan-skema-sejarah_35.html

·         U. (2021b, May 22). PENGAJIAN MALAYSIA DUB1012. Pilihan Raya. http://pengajianmalaysiadep.blogspot.com/2015/09/pengajian-malaysia.html