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The democratic system promotes egalitarianism, social equality and opportunities that do not repress or suppress its citizens, asserts Syerleena Abdul Rashid.

According to The Economist Intelligence Units Democracy Index, only 12.5 per cent of the worlds population live in under governments that practise full democracy. The EIU index further identifies that only 24 countries are full democracies whereas 52 countries are regarded as flawed democracies. Malaysia, our great nation, is one of these countries.

Flawed democracies are defined as countries that, even with the presence of free and fair elections, haveconsiderable drawbacks and limitations that magnify the inadequacy of present political systems.

Although basic liberties or rights are recognised, they may sometimes only exist in theory and may not be practised or applied.

A good example would be how Article 10 in our Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, assembly and association: (a) every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; (b) all citizens have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms; (c) all citizens have the right to form associations. But reality paints a grim picture of how such freedom have been greatly curtailed under the pretext of preserving peace and order.

The term democracy comprises two Greek words, demos (people) and kratis (power), which simply denotes the idea of people power where citizens are given the authority to create governments, laws and regulations.

Additionally, the very same citizens have the power to see certain governments come to an end.

An ideal and true democratic government provides its people with excellent education, good health care, affordable housing and equal opportunities for all. Under this concept, democracy simply recognises that all women and men are created equal and should live in safe environments away from conflict, devastation and disorder.

Unfortunately for Malaysians, there are those within the ruling regime and several elected leaders who do not believe in that understanding of democracy.

Who can forget Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Abdul Rahman Dahlans suggestion that our country is at greater risk of greater polarisation of race should local government election be mandated or Pas president Hadi Awangs warning to Malaysians that if such elections were to be held, our country could see another May 13.

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Malaysias flawed democracy