Sad state of affairs

There's democracy, and there's Malaysian democracy. It's depressing to actually read in the mass media (yes, even the Star printed this) that the PM has issued an edict that all BN (Barisan National, the ruling political party) members MUST toe the party line, and that they can't ever support an opposition party's motion in Parliment. In Prime Minister B's own words,

“We have our own democracy. We have survived on the basis of what we have been practising before, and we will continue with this practice.”

“That has not caused us to suffer any kind of problem. I still believe party discipline is very important, and all party members have to observe it.’’

My brain's still in shock; I can't believe my home country has actually reached a stage where we actively and knowingly declare to the world that we will not abide with democratic practises; principles where common sense rules.

How can we not allow a particular party to support an opposing party's motion when it makes sense to do so? Does this mean that one party holds the monopoly on truth? Do they know-all and see-all, whereby discussion or an investigation into any area by others are not allowed?