KUALA LUMPUR, 14 JAN: The next step for maturing democracy in Malaysia is to institutionalise a two-coalition system by ushering in peaceful alternation of power and government through the ballot box.

DAP Parliamentary Leader, Lim Kit Siang, said the 13^th  general elections remain a great challenge to Pakatan Rakyat but of the Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat at Stadium Merdeka (KL112) on Saturday was an important barometer that, however arduous and difficult, a change of government in Putrajaya in the next polls is within reach.

“In fact, KL112 should be a turning point for the UBAH agenda, with the upgrading of the call to Malaysians not only to unite to vote for a change of Federal government in Putrajaya, but also to ensure that Pakatan Rakyat has a strong and firm parliamentary majority,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He explained that PR needed at least 28 seats, i.e. ensuring that PR wins at least 125 parliamentary seats or PKR with 45 seats and DAP and PAS each with 40 parliamentary seats.

For Kit Siang, KL112 is a major turning point for maturing democracy in Malaysia.

He said it achieved many historic firsts in Malaysia, including:

• The peaceful gathering of 100,000 patriotic and visionary Malaysians of all races, religions and region, regardless of age or gender, coming together in hope, goodwill and unity for a better Malaysia where there is freedom and justice for all Malaysians and future generations;

• No playing of the race or religious card, no  race or religious baiting or  incitement to provoke hatred and conflict in any of the speeches whether by Pakatan Rakyat leaders or civil society representatives;

• No dissemination of lies or falsehoods, as has  become the wont and modus operandi of Barisan Nasional leaders and their propaganda organs in their attacks on the Pakatan Rakyat;

• 10-point call by Pakatan Rakyat and civil society for freedom, justice and sustainable development representing all races, religions and regions to build a united, harmonious, progressive and prosperous Malaysia;

• Pakatan Rakyat pledge with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim leading 100,000 Malaysians chanting “Merdeka” to continue the  Merdeka legacy of Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman who shouted “Merdeka” seven times in Merdeka Stadium on August 31, 1957 – symbolising the new phase of the Merdeka struggle to free the country from local oppressive rule;

• At the end of KL112, never before in Malaysian history has the national anthem Negaraku been sung with such passion, hope and deep feelings by Malaysians of all races, religions and regions for democratic change to bring about a better Malaysia.

According to Kit Siang, the politics of lies and falsehoods, as well as the irresponsible playing of the race and religious cards, to create fear, sow conflict and divide Malaysians had failed to stop the momentum for peaceful and democratic change as symbolised by the peaceful and successful holding of KL 112. – The Rocket