DEMOCRACY

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY?
According to Jayum A Jawan in Malaysian Politics & Government, democracy has been defined in many ways. They share one common element i.e. power that resides and emanates from the peoples. One popular definition the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Overall, many people thinks that democracy is a form of government whereby the citizen can control their own way (Cunningham, 1987).

 According to Britannica Precise Encyclopedia - form of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodic free elections. From Wikipedia, the term comes from: - the Greek: - (dmokrata) "rule of the people, was coined from (dmos) "people" & (krtos) "power"

ELEMENTS OF DEMOCRACY
A political system for choosing & replacing the government through free and fair elections. The active participation of the people as citizens in politics & civics life. Protection of the human rights of all citizens. A rule of law in which the laws & procedures apply equally to all citizens.

FORMS OF DEMOCRACY
Direct Representative Parliamentary

DIRECT DEMOCRACY
A political system where the citizens participate in the decision-making personally, contrary to relying on intermediaries or representatives. Original form of democracy that existed in Athens era. Direct democracy is a form of government that was formed exclusively for Athens. This form of democracy can be applied in Athens because Athens is a country with small number of citizens the participation of people in making the decision can be realised.

REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
A process which the idea & ideals of democracy is sustained in modern nation states. A system which free men exercise their rights through free association. They elect among themselves members to represent them.

 Not a perfect system for various obvious reasons: i. Unless associations of men always reach a consensus, representatives elected only merely represents those who had voted for them. ii. Based on the first pass the pole system, there is possibility that elected representatives have only marginally won their respective constituencies. iii. Imposing a minimum condition to winning. iv. Common complaints against elected representatives are that once elected they tended to lose sight of their main duties and responsibilities.

PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
Government is appointed by parliamentary representatives as opposed to a 'presidential rule' wherein the President is both head of state and the head of government and is elected by the voters. Politics power are equally divided according to the parliament. Must have a parliament no matter whether complex and written or according to the life principles.

 The government is elected by the parliament based on a majority. Parliament is elected for a legislative period, dissolution and early new elections possible if a clear majority cannot be established. Government members must be elected as a members of parliament.

EXAMPLES OF DEMOCRACY
MALAYSIA Parliamentary democracy with Constitutional Monarchy. The Federal Constitution was legislated with the setting up of conditions for the system to exist. One of Parliamentary Democracys condition is the division of the administrative power into three parts: - Legislative - Judiciary - Administrative/Executive

 Malaysia practises system of Democracy based o the Federation system. All states in Malaysia agreed to the concept of the formation of the country Malaysia. Each state involved surrendered part of its power, as stated in Malaysian Constitution that had been administered by the Central Government.

ADVANTAGES OF DEMOCRACY
Democracy gives attention to the importance of citizens Form basically through equal principles It guaranteed the freedom as human rights It gives right to elect the government It improves the quality of life Encourage the spirit of being responsible and collaborative Suitable to change social, politic and economy

DISADVANTAGES OF DEMOCRACY
Not a form of majority government Make the struggle for power become easier The people didnt know the governments policy Instability frequent change of government Unequal rights Ineffective during crisis

ISSUES
Irresponsible politicians - doesnt do the things that they promised in their manifesto. - forget their duties & responsibilities to the people. - use peoples money.

IMPLICATIONS
o The people suffered. o The governments money spent with unbeneficial things. o Unstable economy. o Poor people can never improve the life.

REFERENCES
Jayum A Jawan. (2003). Malaysian politics & government (pp 71-82). Retrieved July 18, 2010. Shah Alam: Karisma Publications Sdn. Bhd. Mohd Faisal Syam Abdol Hazis. (2004). Perkembangan Politik Ekonomi di Malaysia dan Asia Timur: Demokrasi Digital di Malaysia (pp 1-19). Retrieved July 18, 2010. Kota Samarahan: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. K. Ramanathan. (2003). Asas Sains Politik (pp 414-460). Retrieved July 18, 2010. Shah Alam: Penerbit Fajar Bakti Sdn. Bhd. Democracy. (2010). In Encyclopdia Britannica. Retrieved July 18, 2010, from Encyclopdia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/157129/democr acy