The air of celebration is apparent, anticipating the clanging of cymbals in tandem with ever enthralling lion dances. Nevertheless, my attention is diverted thousands of kilometers away by another engrossing affair, the US presidential nomination race. Many of their arguments about the US economy may have little bearings at least for me, however, I am intrigued by the transparency of debates and press coverage.

Flipping through our local dailies tells a tale of media suppression with little space allocated to the opposition parties. Despite the Government being adamant that press freedom is guaranteed, many influential editors remain handpicked by the Government. Why not? After all, the press is literally under the control of ruling political parties with Berita Harian, Utusan, Sin Chew Jit Poh and the NST being owned by them. A beacon of light is seen in The Sun where stinging articles do surface putting much needed pressure on politicians to perform.

Why can't Malaysia have a fairer press coverage for the opposition? Afterall, they do represent certain sections of the population. Should they not also be heard? Voters should be given the freedom to choose based on unbiased information.

Therefore, watching the primaries of a nation other than ours, gives me added invigoration. I think that democracy is democracy. There is no such thing as a Malaysian brand of democracy. Look at the US where multicultural and multiethnic practices are abundant, yet are about to hold fair and unbiased elections.

The Government has always mentioned that our elections are fair. However, how are we to believe such when unethical practices of nepotism and cronyism remain a common scenario. Take for example Khairy. In fact, if Badawi is politically and ethically correct, his son-in-law should not be allowed in politics, no matter how qualified he is. There is bound to be political nepotism here as Khairy himself so readily has admitted.

The advent of the internet has revolutionised the dissemination and gathering of information. Such an open and public domain has tempted many opposition parties to focus on this medium to spread their ideologies. Now, at least for those with internet access, information is free flowing where ideas of both parties can be weighed before the vote is cast.

Indeed, the political landscape is changing. Will BN win this time? Sure they will. But how long can they hold their fort? They are fortunate that the opposition parties remain in disarray preventing them from making any serious challenges to the throne. But their voices are more clearly heard now than ever before.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone.