COMMENT Those in the international community may be forgiven for asking ‘is there a problem with the democratic process in Malaysia?’. In the international arena, our leaders portray Malaysia  as a moderate Islamic nation that is built on the democratic principles enshrined in the federal constitution.  

The fundamental rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the right to life and a fair electoral process, are indeed guaranteed under the federal constitution. The reality is, however, far less idyllic. There are serious questions whether these rights are respected and upheld by those in power.