WITH Malaysia heading for a general election, there is an opportunity to reflect on how democracy can better serve the citizenry in the 21st century.

We could think of how the country can establish itself as a shining example of a system that respects and safeguards democratic principles, including human rights.

The process of establishing a fully democratic polity is a never-ending project that applies to nations that embrace democracy.

It is a learning process and even nations considered as paragons of democracy are not immune from populism. 

That's why a nation like Malaysia that, for example, does not have local elections, could use them as an experiment in democratic innovation.

However, it's a mistake to think of elections as the only venue where people can exercise their prerogative.

Parties in Malaysia are negotiating ties and have not delved into their manifesto.

The fact that people are still unable to decide their representatives at the local level could be an opportunity for Malaysia to become a social lab for rethinking democracy.

It would also require a long-term vision for the political class to allow a new model of democracy to be established.

I am not only referring to leveraging technology to include the youth.

Any innovation using digital discussion forums or digital voting is worth considering.

While re-imagining democracy in Malaysia could start with embracing social media-based forms of electoral engagement, what is needed is to find ways for people to make more decisions locally, which are normally expressed through elections.

In nations where direct democracy has solid a tradition, such as Switzerland, referendums are the norm.

But while enabling people to decide with either a "yes" or "no" is an important part of direct participation, it lacks involvement.

Instead, true innovation in democracy will happen only when people are enabled to come together and deliberate.

Deliberation is a process where people, with the support of issue- based experts, discus and try to find a common ground.

This scenario could change if parties allow people to assume more responsibilities for the affairs closest to them, that is, embracing the concept of subsidiarity.

It would be irresponsible to call for a shift to deliberative democracy.

Parties are here to stay, but their functions and responsibilities could change with them having a say mostly on national and international issues.

The anti-hopping legislation is an important milestone to ensure a stronger accountability in the political system, forcing politicians and their parties to act more transparently and, hopefully, more effectively.

Malaysia can do more to improve its political system truly representative if people are allowed to have a say in local affairs.

On Sept 15, we celebrated International Democracy Day.

The hope is that for next year, Malaysians will have something to say and discuss about ways to improve their democracy.

https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2022/09/832082/having-local-elections-can-boost-democratic-engagement