I have been frequently asked to vote for the opposition as the current government needs a strong opposition. The basis for such call is to keep the government on its toes. Doesn't that make you wonder what strong means and how strong is strong? Does this mean we must deny the Barisan Nasional the two-third majorities it has always held? Would more opposition members make the present government more accountable or would it only lead to a chaotic parliament frequently seen in Taiwan or Japan?

As a voter, I want to exercise my right to choose the next government wisely. This means I need to be convinced convinced that the policies and strategies presented by the current government or the opposition will lead to further development and prosperity for Malaysia.

I need to know plans by both sides on issues such as economy, unity, education, health, bumiputera agenda, crime rates, etc. Dissecting these issues further, I would need to know the directions on issues such as budget surplus/deficit, pegging/unpegging of the ringgit, Islamic/secular framework, more/less foreign workers, reduce/increase bumiputera quotas or even trivial matters such as more/less power to local authorities to become our moral guardians?

Maybe I am too much influenced by CNN. Maybe there is an information overflow as I spent too much time reading what the Democrats are saying about the Republicans in their 'Boot Bush' campaign. Maybe America is way too advanced for us. Maybe I have only myself to blame for being impatient and not allowing the political parties to undergo the process of maturity at their own pace. Maybe America should not be my benchmark. Look at Singapore it is a very progressive country, politics excluded!

But am I wrong to expect such standards? Should I just accept the sub-standards of the many political parties, glaringly seen in their websites, from Barisan Nasional to PAS to DAP to Keadilan? Maybe the current government's path is easier as their side of the stories is disseminated by the mainstream media to the point of being overbearing.

But is it forgivable for the opposition parties to not have a comprehensive plan for the country's future? Is it acceptable that the opposition parties only respond to issues, rather than moot alternative or new ideas? Is it okay that the language used in political bickering is more destructive than constructive in nature?

I was once told that during elections, it is a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils. It is really unfortunate that our politics have to be equated to such a phrase. But maybe it is an apt description. In the meantime, I am just going to observe the satire that is unfolding before my eyes as election draws closer, before deciding on which party to vote for a better future!