To replace the nation's politics based on race and religion, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) today offered a 'third choice' for voters - pluralism and democracy.

Vice-president R Sivarasa described the current choices offered and implemented by Barisan Nasional (BN) as "false and artificial".

"We don't want citizens to get the feeling that they don't have any other choice... they can vote for the third choice," he said at the launch of the party's election campaign this morning at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur.

The campaign and introduction of an election poster entitled 'The third way - pluralism and democracy' also jump-started the party's election machinery.

'Double-faced' BN

Another vice-president, Tian Chua said that, based on past experience during general elections, the BN "has always exploited and played up racial and religious issues".

"Ties among the different races are deteriorating and racial unity exists in name only," he said, noting that the BN's "divide and rule" policy had also contributed to this state of affairs.

Tian Chua claimed that, under Keadilan's "pluralism and democracy" policy, all Malaysians will be entitled to freedom of religion and equal rights like mother-tongue education, recognition of academic credentials based on quality, and the rights of marginalised groups.

"BN has always been 'double-faced' during elections - it may give an allocation to Chinese schools, but would also threaten (Chinese) voters with the spectre of May 13 (1969)," Tian Chua said.

Keadilan information chief Khalid Jaafar said the party does not fight for the special rights of Malays, but for "inalienable rights for all Malaysians" including fundamental liberties.

The five-year-old party contested for the first time in the 1999 general election, winning five parliamentary and four state seats.

As it merged last August with Parti Rakyat Malaysia, the candidates of both parties will contest under the Keadilan logo this time around, while awaiting approval of their merger application by the Registrar of Societies.

Defections, 'money politics'

Tian Chua also announced the party has set up a central information unit to handle media liaison during the forthcoming general election, now widely expected by the end of the month.

Khalid and Vice Youth chief Low Chee Cheong ( right ) have been appointed the party's spokespersons on election matters.

Chua called on the press to give fair coverage to all parties during the elections, and urged voters to make their choice without being influenced by "seditious sentiments".

On another matter, when asked if Keadilan is anticipating more defections - as two groups of leaders and members have crossed over to BN over the past month - he alleged that the continuous "buying over" of opposition members only proves the existence of money politics.

He added that his party could not do anything about defections, but that it appreciated "Umno's assistance in cleaning up Keadilan".