As Malaysia prepares for a general election, there is an opportunity to consider how democracy can better serve citizens in the twenty-first century.
We could consider how the country can become a shining example of a system that respects and protects democratic principles, including human rights.
The process of establishing a fully democratic polity is an ongoing project that applies to democratic nations. It is a learning process, and even the most democratic countries are not immune to populism.
That is why a country like Malaysia, which does not have local elections, could use them as a democratic experiment. However, it is a mistake to believe that elections are the only venue in which people can exercise their right to vote.
Malaysian parties are negotiating alliances and have not yet released their manifestos.
The fact that people are still unable to choose their local representatives may present an opportunity for Malaysia to serve as a social laboratory for rethinking democracy.
It would also necessitate a long-term vision on the part of the political class in order to allow for the establishment of a new model of democracy. I’m not just talking about using technology to reach out to young people.
Any innovation that makes use of digital discussion forums or digital voting is worthwhile to consider.
While embracing social media-based forms of electoral engagement could be a starting point for reimagining democracy in Malaysia, what is needed is to find ways for people to make more decisions locally, which are normally expressed through elections.
Referendums are the norm in countries where direct democracy has a long history, such as Switzerland. However, while allowing people to choose between “yes” and “no” is an important part of direct participation, it lacks involvement.
Instead, true democratic innovation will occur only when people are given the opportunity to gather and deliberate.
Deliberation is a process in which people discuss and try to find common ground with the help of issue-based experts.
This scenario could change if parties allow people to take on more responsibilities for local affairs, embracing the concept of subsidiarity. Calling for a shift to deliberative democracy would be irresponsible.
Parties are here to stay, but their functions and responsibilities may shift, with a focus on national and international issues.
To read our blog on “How to use blockchain technology to make elections transparent,” click here