With a general election due by November next year, several individuals have set up a monitoring committee to check that the polls are carried out in a 'free and fair' manner.

Calling themselves Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel), the group is planning to recruit and train some 5,000 volunteers nationwide.

It currently comprises representatives of human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia, social reform group Aliran and community-based organisation Save Ourselves in Penang.

To ensure its independence, members of all political parties, youth and non-governmental organisations, will be invited to join Mafrel, which is expected to be launched next month.

Training and workshops will be conducted in all states simultaneously and a report on their observations will be published after the general election.

(*) Mafrel chairperson Abd Malek Hussin, who is a political consultant to Permatang Pauh member of parliament Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, said an early general election is "imminent" following the retirement of premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad with effect from Oct 31.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had, over the weekend, told MIC's 'election machinery' convention that Barisan Nasional component parties would have to work hard to deliver a strong result for the ruling coalition.

Mafrel is interpreting this as a sign that elections will be held earlier than in November, possibly in March or May next year.

Democratic process

At a briefing for citizens groups and NGOs in Penang last Saturday, Malik said it was unlikely that Abdullah would call an election this year because he has yet to resolve "the power struggle within Umno" including naming his deputy.

"Also he has not formed his own cabinet yet...he is still working with Mahathir's legacy," added Malik.

Save Ourselves (SOS) coordinator Ong Boon Keong said it is time for citizens to learn how to "relate positively" to elections as the government is elected by the people.

"Whether we like it or not, we have to deal with the government. Like the courts or the police station, it (the government) will affect you someday, but many people don't think so until it happens to them," he said.

"The government belongs to us. It objectively regulates society in our name, so whether we want less or more government, it is up to us."

Universiti Sains Malaysia Professor Dr Johan Saravanamuthu, who attended the session, said the committee is an avenue through which youth from all backgrounds and political allegiances, can participate in the democratic process.

He urged members of all political parties to participate, because it is important for the committee to be seen as being independent.

(*) CORRECTION : It has been brought to our attention that Abd Malek Hussin had resigned as political consultant to Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail before he took up the appointment as Mafrel's steering committee chairperson. We apologise for the error.