The Dewan Rakyat today turned into a political battlefield between Umno and PAS when both arch-rivals engaged in a hot debate on the 28 amendments to the Election Offences Act 1954.

Most of the points raised by the opposition, especially PAS, since 11am today centred on the theme of democracy and its 'inevitable' death with the passing of the bill that incorporated the amendments.

As expected, Barisan Nasional MPs defended the bill. One even thanked and congratulated de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim (photo) for proposing it, saying it came at a most opportune time as recent by-elections have been plagued by chaos and violence.

Rais tabled the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill 2002 yesterday, saying the changes were preventive measures to ensure a harmonious election process.

They included higher penalties such as fines and jail sentences for offenders of the law.

'Super Sedition Act'

Newly appointed Opposition Leader Abdul Hadi Awang (photo), who started the debate, said the passing of the bill will further deteriorate democracy in this country.

The PAS acting president said the amendments were proposed to "salvage the ruling party's declining support".

Abdul Hadi, who is also the Terengganu menteri besar, took Rais to task when criticising a section in the bill which stipulated that election campaigns must not bring about hatred or dissatisfaction.

The PAS leader and MP for Marang said it is against the nature of human beings not to criticise one another.

"Islam permits criticism and it is compulsory for those who are criticised to restrain their anger," he said.

Rais had said that the amendments were also made in view of the Sedition Act, to subject candidates to tighter rules and regulations to prevent them from making seditious statements against others.

During the debate, Kerk Kim Hock (DAP-Kota Melaka) said if it were truly enforced by an independent Election Commission, the act would become a "Super Sedition Act", and many would be disqualified from contesting in elections.

"But I believe many [in the government] would support the act because of the mentality that the government is here to stay, forever in power, and that the EC is not independent and will not charge them," said Kerk.

Kerk (photo), who is DAP secretary-general, said that it takes more than the EC to ensure that the election process is fair and peaceful.

"There are other players such as the police, the contesting parties, the government and the informed voters who must play their part," he added.

'Culture of gangsterism'

In defence of the bill which was flatly shot down by the opposition, Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) said the amendments were to ensure that the people could exercise their democratic rights and vote in peace during elections.

Mohamad said the amendments will not only affect PAS or the opposition, but Umno and other BN component parties as well. He urged PAS not to look at the amendments negatively.

"We already expected the opposition to use the amendments to let out their frustration, their hatred and anger against the government," he said.

Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) denied that democracy was dead in the country, claiming that PAS ceramah were allowed although they contained "slander and lies".

Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN-Larut) said Umno has been patient with the opposition but the new laws were necessary to "curb their culture of gangsterism".

"The opposition has to accept the reality. Due to the violence in the recent by-elections, there is pressure not only from political parties but the rakyat to enforce tighter laws," he added.