Opposition parties have a real uphill struggle as all media access seems to be purely for governing party. All the TV News is all pro-governing party (as government finances the stations). Unbelievably News programmes are interrupted by a little 'clip' condeming any forms of demonstration - recent clips of 'demos' are shown with 'Vox Pop' condeming any form of protest (I think it's wise not to comment further on this - I'm only a tourist - how a country runs their own affairs has nothing to do with me). One protest group featured in the 'clip' is called Bersih (Malay for 'clean') a coalition campaigning for Election Reform. For some of the issues they raise see:-The above photo is a 'still' from this kind of 'clip' - it says Berlainan Parti Satu Identity - Different [political] Parties One Identity [ie. Malaysian}
Religious ceremony at temporary local DAP HQ.When new business premises are open Chinese give offerings and burn 'fake' money to placate dieties and spirits. I came across this kind of offering by chance about 7pm this evening - outside the office which will be used by an opposition party during the election. The local DAP MP (man) can just be seen in the background (I should have taken a proper shot of him - another time perhaps).
There was plenty of 'fake' money being burned so the local 'ghost' should be 'chilled out' tonight.
The PM disolved parliament a few days ago and announced a general election to take place on 8th March. Above photo shows a poster outside the Local DAP HQ near my hotel (DAP are an opposition party):-The election will take place against a backdrop of intermittent demos by Malaysian Indians with grievances. The police broke up another demo yesterday (the demonstrators marched to Pudu Prison - some 200 yards from my hotel - but I was unaware of what was taking place).
The local DAP MP had about 300 vote majority in last election - so every vote is crucial.
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