'Inability to accept defeat in election a trait of dictatorship'

Opposition members who are obsessed about winning and refuse to accept loss in the elections have the traits of a dictatorship, said political analysts.

Political analyst Md Shukri Shuib said the democratic system ensured the people's freedom to choose and wise political leaders should be aware of this.

As such, he said the statement by PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli on the results of the parliamentary by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar, which seemed to blame the people for not electing them was an "immature" response.

"Only they are right, the views of the people do not matter, these are signs of dictatorship. If these people rule, I fear the people will lose their voice," he said when contacted Monday.

Rafizi was quoted in a Malay newspaper yesterday as describing the 'disease of materialism' among voters as a reason for Barisan Nasional's victory in both by-elections.

"Whether it is Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan and everyone else, the projects promised and the money that was handed out during the campaigns were effective in ensuring votes for them (BN)," Rafizi was quoted in the report.

The senior lecturer of Political and International Affairs, at Universiti Utara Malaysia's Centre of International Studies said matured people and leaders were two factors which were needed in a developed Malaysia.

"In this context, I see the sincerity of the leaders, if they cannot respect the people, this will hinder the development of a matured nation.

Meanwhile, political analyst from Universiti Sains Malaysia, associate professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian described Rafizi as an emotional leader.

"He should be more rational and practical in this matter," he said.

Sivamurugan said the right of the people to vote must be recognised and no party should belittle this.

He said in previous elections, the voters had accorded several states to the opposition to rule.

"Defeat and victory can be caused by several factors - the candidate, the party machinery and issues that are brought up, these three elements are major contributors.

"In this context, the losing party should conduct a post-mortem," he said.

In the Sungai Besar by-election, BN candidate Budiman Mohd Zohdi won with a majority of 9,191 votes, defeating PAS candidate Dr Abdul Rani Osman and Amanah's Azhar Abdul Shukur, in a three-cornered fight.

Meanwhile in Kuala Kangsar, Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid of BN won with a majority of 6,969 votes, defeating PAS candidate Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad, Amanah's professor Dr Ahmad Termizi Ramli and independent candidate Izat Bukhary Ismail Bhukary.