Two local academicians have expressed reservations about the opposition's chances of victory in the coming general election, voicing concern over the lack of unity and imagination among the opposing parties.

Universiti Malaya lecturer Lee Hwok Aun felt that the opposition has failed to enliven an already dormant democracy and rouse up Parliament.

Major disappointment

According to Lee, who lectures in development studies at the university, this is a major disappointment.

"In spite of an increase in opposition seats in 1999, we have not witnessed an increase in vibrancy and controversy in the August House," Lee told malaysiakini.

"BN has done a great deal to marginalise the role and integrity of Parliament, but it is still a necessary first step for the opposition to capture more seats and challenge the government with more gusto, for example, by publicly declaring their assets, starting with their elected representatives" he said.

The Opposition obtained 45 seats in Parliament, with PAS having the most seats at 27, DAP 10 and Keadilan 5 in the last general elections.

Parti Bersatu Sabah which obtained 3 seats defected to BN last year, leaving the opposition crowd smaller than ever.

Although opposition members of Parliment do kick up a fuss in Parliament now and then, their voices are drowned by the overwhelming presence of 151 other BN Mps.

Inability to inspire

But the real problems of the opposition, says another lecturer, lies in its image and inability to inspire confidence among the populace.

New Era College lecturer Chang Teck Peng said o­ne major factor opposition parties failed to win over the hearts and minds of voters is their inability to convince the voters that they are capable enough to "take care" of the country.

This is a political reality in Malaysia, he said, as many people are lacking in confidence and not bold enough to accept a "new government".

"This may be due to their perception and the image portrayed by members of the opposition," said Chang, who is media studies coordinator in the college.

"They should change their public image from being grassroots leaders to professionals who have the ability to oversee and manage public policies," he said.

"In addition to this, as a political strategy, the opposition parties must also be able to manipulate certain public relations techniques and languages in dealing with the media and the public," he added.