Despite the reservations aired by some quarters on the Sept 17 Election Commission announcement that public rallies would be revived, it is welcome news.

Some apprehension over the move is quite understandable seeing as how whole generations have grown up strangers to such events which an older generation took for granted.

There are fears that the opposition could get out of control. Some in the opposition have dismissed the impending return of rallies as 'an empty gesture'.

Both sides don't seem to realise that such events are a celebration of democracy. The surprising aspect is the stirring of disquiet within Umno over the idea.

Their concept of proper democracy appears to be restricted to casting the ballot. This alone does not constitute a democracy but has long served as a comfort zone for the ruling coalition, so their loathing at being deprived of that is understandable.

Rallies give citizens the opportunity to observe and judge the quality of the candidates on offer. Rallies, too, allow people a sense of direct participation in the democratic process, making it more meaningful. And, a sense of belonging as well that's sadly lacking in the country now.

What we have currently is mostly lop-sided stories in the mass media and, much intoning of the virtues of the ruling coalition and the worthlessness of the opposition. All black and white without the greys to give a rounded picture of the reality on the ground.

Educated choice

Democracy presumes that the voter is able to make an educated choice on who should rule the country.

The government's massive propaganda machinery deprives him or her of that vital ingredient in that opposition views are either shut out or muted or taken out of context or confined to the various political parties's newsletters forbidden general circulation.

Public rallies would be one way of balancing this out. These uncharted waters must be worrying to some. Which is a shame really. When the country was facing the menace of militant communism, election rallies were held come what may.

Now the boast is the nation is at peace and harmony, unlike so many others where there is repression or civil strife.

So why the faint heartedness when it comes to re-introducing a vital component of democracy? Is security the concern?

The answer must be so since Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai himself has given the assurance that security will be given top priority in the issuance of rally permits.

The other point that merits serious consideration is that should not the wider public be engaged in this particular debate?

There should be talk shows, letters to the editor and, public fora for a wide range of eminent personalities to put the issue under a microscope.

Why should democracy be shackled to the narrow definition of merely exercising the franchise; why can't it include the whole menu enshrined in the Constitution?

Fresh air

Let in a breath of fresh air into the practice of our democracy and, blow away the stale stagnant air that's become so stifling now.

After all haven't we all heard the oft repeated refrain for a resilient society to meet future challenges from an ever shrinking world?

A robust democracy, where all ideas, proposals and contrary views are thoroughly debated, is just the ticket for the nurturing of such a society.

At least one political leader reportedly expressed apprehension that the crowd could boo and jeer as part of his objection to reviving public rallies.

Truly, this beggars belief. That exclusive and August club called the Dewan Rakyat is no mean hand itself when it comes to this sort of objectionable behaviour.

Why can't that particular privilege be extended to lesser mortals. Politicians should be made of sterner stuff or learn to grow a thick skin.

And that's what a robust democracy can provide.

Another way of looking at it is this. Off and on politicians living in a rarified atmosphere must be reminded that their existence is at the pleasure of the electorate. Not by divine intervention.

Steam vent

One important function of political rallies is that they act like vents, to let out steam. Human beings need that. And democracy thrives in such an environment, relieved of the discontent simmering underneath without an escape valve.

The Anwar Ibrahim affair which set off an explosive series of demonstrations some years back is a case in point.

Thoughtful people can already feel the winds of change heralding a new era. The vision is already in place.

There's a perception that the nuts and bolts of that vision being tended to, in what one believes, is the second vital phase of materialisation.