Western democracy a foreign concept

The manner of choosing a president in Singapore prompts an obvious question. Is an election for a leader fair and fully democratic when conditions of eligibility exclude all but about 400 people in a population of three million?

An outside observer of voting in Southeast Asia could ask similar questions about the election of some governments. Is a general election fair and fully democratic when a history of harassment of opposition candidates deters people running for office; when laws discourage criticism of those in power; and when ruling parties' opponents are barred from national radio and television services and given minimal attention by the press?

Within the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) a number of governments, such as those in Hanoi and Rangoon, do not even pretend to observe democratic principles. Among the rest, the Philippines and Thailand are alone in Asean in promoting free-wheeling politics, although Indonesia's new parties are working towards creating a similar environment.

The sort of rambunctious politicking seen in the Philippines and Thailand is abhorrent to Singapore's Senior Minister and former prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and Malaysia's Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad. They have long been at odds over many issues but see eye to eye on their distaste for unfettered Western-style democracy.

Mr Lee and Dr Mahathir, whose respective parties have ruled their nations since independence, argue against "disruptive" change. Both have held on to power for long periods. Mr Lee, who is 76, served as prime minister for 30 years and continues to exert a strong influence on national affairs. Dr Mahathir, who is 74, has been in office for 18 years and suggested recently he might remain head of government for another five years. They are not at all defensive about their systems of government; deride the turnover of administrations in Thailand; and harp on their nations' political stability.

There have been increasing calls for change in the political systems in Singapore and Malaysia but the incumbent parties are under no real threat.

Despite the grumbling, few people with credible qualifications are prepared to offer themselves as an alternative.

An opposition candidate's lot is not an easy one in Malaysia or Singapore, where they tread a cautious path through the minefields of laws covering libel, sedition and publishing.

However, a small number have managed to win parliamentary seats. The opposition Parti Islam se-Malaysia has even captured a state in Malaysia.

But among the most qualified people in business, public service and education in the two nations, hardly anyone is game to give up their comfortable lives for a hazardous and possibly short career in opposition politics.

In these circumstances, most citizens will continue to vote for the status quo. Also working against change is a belief among many that change will come by itself.

In Singapore, people say there will be a political transformation when Mr Lee has gone. But Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong has proven almost as tough as his mentor.

Many Malaysians believe the departure of Dr Mahathir will bring change.

But they may have to wait another five years to find out if it will make a difference.