Singapore Democrats
The SDP congratulates the people of Malaysia for the courage to vote for change in their country as well as Dr Mahathir, Mr Anwar Ibrahim and the leaders of Pakatan Harapan in their victory.
The result of the general elections is clear demonstration that Malaysians want to see a new era of democratic accountability from their government. The mandate that they have given to the Pakatan Harapan to form the new government is the latest Asian example that democracy and freedom are, indeed, universal concepts.
Malaysia’s decision is a clear rejection of autocratic rule. It shows that the use of laws by the ruling party to stifle dissent, the introduction of legislation as a pretext to combat “fake news”, the continued control of the mass media, etc, can only go so far.
The yearning for leaders who genuinely respect democracy and the rule of law is strong. Malaysians have set their country on the right path and this day will go down in history as one that Malaysians can be proud of.
The SDP hopes that there will be a smooth transition of power and that the incoming government will implement the mandate given to it by embarking on democratic reform and taking Malaysia into a new era.