TO what extent have Bersih 2.0’s demands for a clean, free and fair election been met? What new measures have been introduced thus far as Malaysia heads to the polls on 5 May 2013 and are they good enough?

IT’S more than just a numbers game. Votes don’t just count at the ballot box. Voting is also a symbolic affirmation of your right to participate in your country’s politics, writes Hwa Yue-Yi.

THE Barisan Nasional government has been making a lot of promises as a decisive general election looms. Of all the promises the Umno-led coalition has made, which should citizens be most concerned about?

It’s rare to see Malaysia’s traditional press give the federal opposition, Pakatan Rakyat, a fair hearing. Ding Jo-Ann imagines what it would be like if our media produced fair and honest coverage of the political parties and their candidates during the next general election.

Underneath the team colours and the performance, the cheering and the competition – whether in the US or in Malaysia – what are elections good for? And how can they be improved?

AS we welcome Peninsular Malaysia’s 55th year of independence this year, we celebrate once again the people who continue to inspire us and give us hope for a better Malaysia. Our awardees include Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat politicians, activists, environmentalists, a bookstore chain, the courts and many more. Find out who they are.