Another nice and insightful comments from another malaysian. Excerpt from MalaysiaKini.com.

Don't be taken in by last-minute psychological warfare
Uncle Liew, Georgetown
5:39pm Wed Mar 10th, 2004

As a senior citizen, an unapologetic supporter of the opposition and experienced voter since 1964, let me share a bit of my knowledge with younger generation of Malaysians.

Election is for us to exercise our right as citizens and taxpayers of this country. In a democracy, the government is the servant of the people and the people are the boss.

The money for building bridges, road, schools, hospitals and other public facilities come from the pockets of the taxpayers not from the private pockets of Mahathir, Abdullah, Ong Ka Ting, Lim Keng Yaik or Samy Vellu. We have the right to demand for better facilities.

So, it is nonsensical and ridiculous for any government leaders (servants) to remind the people (boss) to be "grateful" to them.

Another precaution we should take is against the last-minute "dirty and shocking surprise" propaganda launched by the media controlled, manipulated and co-ordinated by BN against the opposition parties, leaders and candidates.

Typically, it purports to have "discovered" some "secret plots" or "insidious conspiracy" of certain opposition parties, leaders and candidates to "sell out" their race, religion, country or parties. Some hired "confessors" who claim to be former members or leaders or friends of the targets of attack, would be arranged to appear in radio, TV and newspapers to "testify to the truth". Some of them may even claim to be also "plotters" but who now "realise" their own "stupidity".

The attack would be launched a day or two before polling day with overwhelming concentration of force and repetitions so that the targeted parties, leaders or candidates have no time and resources to rebut.

The psychological warfare units of BN may also decide to call out police field force personnel or riot police in certain areas to create an atmosphere of fear and panic so that voters feel the need for protection from them. It may also use this tactic to paint the opposition as "trouble-makers" and "rioters".

Although it happened before, you may ask whether it would happen again, given that people now are all smarter and more discerning. Well, in desperation, those who want to cling to power would do anything, even silly ones. Also, under self-delusion, they may still think all the people are still as gullible as in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

In real life, there may still some people who are still as gullible as before, until and unless the smarter one like us educate them sufficiently.

So, be smart. Be psychologically prepared: don't listen to rumours and don't be duped by black propaganda or psychological warfare. Be happy and feel safe to vote for a strong opposition to check and balance against the sure-win Barisan Nasional.