KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Ahead of the election, G25 welcomed today an era of close fighting between the ruling and Opposition parties, saying it is a healthy sign of a maturing democracy.

The group of former top civil servants said a winning party that is too strong may be tempted to abuse its power and forget all the promises about institutional, economic and social reforms.

"We believe that a government with a strong Opposition will serve the country better in bringing the economic and social justice to the people,” it said in a statement.

The group also hoped for healthy competition without exploiting the issues of race and religion.

"Today’s generation of Malaysians have more respect for politicians that win the seats using clean politics than those who use money to bribe voters,” it said, urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure candidates obey anti-graft laws in campaigns.

It also urged the Election Commission to ensure elections are free and fair, and warned that the polls will be closely watched by the world.

"The Commission must be strictly professional so that the results will be accepted by the people and recognised internationally as valid. This will help to restore confidence in the future of the country as a stable and mature democracy, with good prospects for sustainable growth,” it added.

The group also urged Malaysians to vote despite it not being mandatory, calling it a responsibility that must be carried out for the sake of Malaysia’s future as a free and democratic country, with a government that is elected by the people and for the people.