Opposition members who are obsessed about winning and refuse to accept loss in the elections have the traits of a dictatorship, said political analysts.
Political analyst Md Shukri Shuib said the democratic system ensured the people's freedom to choose and wise political leaders should be aware of this.
As such, he said the statement by PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli on the results of the parliamentary by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar, which seemed to blame the people for not electing them was an "immature" response.
"Only they are right, the views of the people do not matter, these are signs of dictatorship. If these people rule, I fear the people will lose their voice," he said when contacted Monday.
Rafizi was quoted in a Malay newspaper yesterday as describing the 'disease of materialism' among voters as a reason for Barisan Nasional's victory in both by-elections.
"Whether it is Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan and everyone else, the projects promised and the money that was handed out during the campaigns were effective in ensuring votes for them (BN)," Rafizi was quoted in the report.
The senior lecturer of Political and International Affairs, at Universiti Utara Malaysia's Centre of International Studies said matured people and leaders were two factors which were needed in a developed Malaysia.
"In this context, I see the sincerity of the leaders, if they cannot respect the people, this will hinder the development of a matured nation.
Meanwhile, political analyst from Universiti Sains Malaysia, associate professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian described Rafizi as an emotional leader.
"He should be more rational and practical in this matter," he said.
Sivamurugan said the right of the people to vote must be recognised and no party should belittle this.
He said in previous elections, the voters had accorded several states to the opposition to rule.
"Defeat and victory can be caused by several factors - the candidate, the party machinery and issues that are brought up, these three elements are major contributors.
"In this context, the losing party should conduct a post-mortem," he said.
In the Sungai Besar by-election, BN candidate Budiman Mohd Zohdi won with a majority of 9,191 votes, defeating PAS candidate Dr Abdul Rani Osman and Amanah's Azhar Abdul Shukur, in a three-cornered fight.
Meanwhile in Kuala Kangsar, Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid of BN won with a majority of 6,969 votes, defeating PAS candidate Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad, Amanah's professor Dr Ahmad Termizi Ramli and independent candidate Izat Bukhary Ismail Bhukary.
Bernama
Tue Jun 21 2016
Rafizi was quoted in a Malay newspaper yesterday as describing the 'disease of materialism' among voters as a reason for Barisan Nasional's victory in both by-elections.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.