I read with interest the letters in relation to the Dec 6 crucial by-election at Pengkalan Pasir, Kelantan. I tend to agree that the promise of bicycles by Putera Umno or promises/pledges by any side to voters is tantamount to vote-buying or money politics - especially when one considers how important this particular seat is to either side.

Therefore it is up to the Elections Commission to ensure fair play and show voters that it is truly neutral and independent in carrying out its duties.

As for Anwar Ibrahim, I have always admired him for his views and visions but am suspicious of the people who surround him. That Anwar is for a Malaysian Malaysia and against the continuing of NEP may need greater scrutiny by all fair-minded rakyat.

That the NEP has been shown to benefit only those privileged few who are connected to those in power cannot be disproved. But does this imply that the NEP per se is wrong? Or was it the way it was implemented that gave rise to discontentment?

As in most cases, it is the implementation that must be criticised and not the policy. Absence of supervision and/or post-implementation measurement yardsticks has enabled unscrupulous people from taking advantage of the available opportunities that these policies were designed to bring about. One just has to look around to also see how many of Anwar's people have gained from the NEP.

The voters of Kelantan will continue accepting whatever is given not only by Umno but also by whoever wants to give. How they vote is how they perceive the winner will perform. My hope is for them to be guided by their conscience as true Muslims.