KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's 13th General Election (GE13)
dubbed the "Mother of all Elections" has also caught the eyes of
foreign citizens staying here.
Amid the "colourful flags" and pictures of candidates vying for the 222
Parliamentary seats and 505 state seats, they can't help but become
part of excited Malaysians who go to the polls tomorrow.
An Iraqi citizen who has been residing here for the last seven years,
said that he has been following well the political and popular movements
in Malaysia.
"And I can feel the spirit of true democracy that is hoped by many
other countries, all freedom-loving," said the engineer who did not wish
to be named.
He said that he had the opportunity to observe the general election in 2008 and again this year.
"It's given me a great image of two main parties vying for seats in
parliament and state legislatures within the framework of the
homogeneity of beautiful multi-ethnic people and religions," he
remarked.
He emphasised that it was this social and cultural coexistence, which
distinguished Malaysia from the rest of the countries in the region.
He praised Malaysia's democracy which was built over many years of
peace, dignity and moderation, noting that this was unlike democracies
witnessed by the Middle-east people where there was intervention by
"strangers."
"I wish victory for the Malaysian people in all their choices. These
peaceful people who can prove to the world of their peaceful coexistence
among all the different segments and raising the slogan of "1Malaysia."
Egyptian education consultant Sami E Omara, who has resided in Malaysia
for some five years, was amazed with the fleets of cars carrying flags
of their party in Kelantan and Kuantan when he was there yesterday.
"Supporters are free to discuss and talk (about the election), giving
all kinds of version and expression," he said. To him this showed that
democracy in Malaysia is getting stronger.
He rejected the idea of a "Malaysian Spring," in the style of the Arab
Spring, saying that the situation in Malaysia was very much different.
An ardent "fan" of Barisan Nasional and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib
Tun Razak, Omara felt that Malaysia has done very well under Najib's
leadership.
"My prediction is that BN will win the GE13," said the 68-year-old
Omara who had the opportunity to travel to many states in Malaysia
during his stay here.
(Source: Bernama)
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