SEREMBAN: Recent political developments reveal that the principles of democracy in Malaysia are, to a certain extent, being eroded, claims Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
"Malaysian democracy should be stronger and better than it was before but recent developments show that it is on the decline, said the Umno deputy president.
He said several examples such as MPs acting at will and making personal choices, freedom of speech and expression being checked with various ordinances only instilled fear as well as the suspension of Parliament, were testament to this.
"Rightfully, Malaysia should have been an example to other developing countries to show how our democracy had evolved and resulted in many successes which made us the most successful developing country," he said in a statement on Sunday (March 14).
Mohamad said these developments were worrying and Malaysia had to come out of this "democratic deficit".
"We should be better and in managing this country and promote more advanced democratic practices.
"Leaving Malaysia's potential in its current position, is very unfortunate," he said.
Mohamad said Malaysians had a collective responsibility to ensure democracy flourished, irrespective if they were Cabinet ministers, in the Opposition or just ordinary citizens.
"Let us bring back the practice of democracy in Malaysia to a better level and position because this country is a special homeland for its people.
"It is not anyone's personal property and cannot be treated as such," he said, adding that if every Malaysian was committed towards this, democracy would once again flourish.
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