Please Register and Vote.

I wrote the column below for Rocket’s March/April issue. It’s quite old and not very well writen (with many grammatical mistakes as usual) but since I have friends reading this blog, I thought I post it here. After reading this, please guys…Register and Vote, it is your constitutional right and your responsibility as a citizen of Malaysia who believes in democracy and fairness.

Read this blog as well: iamamalaysian.blogspot.com. Perhaps it could give you some inspiration to want to register and vote after.

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When it comes to any election, propaganda is always used to achieve a desired result. Example, President Bush frequent use of Christianity and national security among the American public. The end result was of course favourable, since he touched on issues which were deeply embedded in the American public hearts.

During an election campaign then, it is not uncommon to see politicians trying their hardest to sell their policies, their agendas and their ideas to the public. Aside from selling these apparently fantastic plans, politicians have to sell their image as well. They have to make public appearances, appear confident and relatable, have an immaculate history and amiable. All this trouble to gain voters confidence so as to win votes and hopefully more than that.

Of course spins coming from the media could greatly assist these politicians achieve their ends and having the media on their side is truly advantageous.

Spin or no spin, the public abilities to decide however should never be doubted. They are never usually wrong and will pick the candidate which they think is most capable. Contrary to the believe that voters don’t vote because they believe it’s best for their self – interest, voters DO go out to vote because of their own self – interest. Hence because of self – interest and always wanting to maximise their utility, voters often make right choices (unless the election has been rigged).

Voters are important and they play the most crucial role when it comes to any election. They can influence the outcome by picking who they think should run the government and country, who should represent and speak on their behalf, and they can even cause the downfall of a politician. Therefore one should never doubt the weight which a voter carries. As our 4th Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir, had announced recently, there are only two superpowers in this world, America and publics opinion. So publics opinion i.e. voters, are important and their perspective do count in many matters.

Sadly though not many people realizes this. Especially the young crowd in our country. When I ask my friends, “Are you registered to vote?”, their answer is a simple no. When asked why, they give reasons like “it’s too troublesome”, “I don’t know where”, “I have no time”, “I don’t see the importance because my vote does not count”. Can’t really blame some of them for saying the last sentence because they don’t think transparency exist in our country never the less, they should get themselves registered and so should the majority.

Apparently in our country, they are many people between the ages of 21 till 40 who are not registered to be voters. Efforts have been made to get these people to register. After all, an extra vote from anyone at anytime makes a big difference when it comes to election polls.

At the end of the day, it is not that difficult to get yourself registered. All one needs to carry is one’s own personal identification card, the MyKad, when registering and VOILA, you’re a voter.

For those who are not registered, bear in mind that you should not waste your rights to vote. Your rights to voice your preference. Your rights to make a difference. Your rights to make things fair and right. You should not waste away your votes, thinking that your vote is insignificant.

Even if you don’t think you’re ready to vote, register anyway because you will never know. Don’t forget that when you vote, it does matter and it does make changes. It is your responsibility also.

I have provided a list below for the people who you could reach in your individual areas to get yourself registered. When you can, do yourself and society a favour by getting yourself registered. After all, it doesn’t cost you anything except for maybe a society who is counting on your vote to make this country a fairer and more democratic place to live.

Voters Registration Registrars Contact Details

1. Johor Tan Hong Pin 012-7377654
2. Melaka Ms. Lim 06-3369354
3. Negeri Sembilan Teh Eng Kiong 06-7634525
4. Selangor Lau Weng San 016-3231563
5. Federal Territory Ms. Yaw 03-92857532
6. Perak Tham Kin Seng 05-2531532
7. Penang Danny Law Heng Kiang 04-2288482
8. Pahang Choong Siew Onn 012-9281819
9. Sarawak Violet Yong 082-234742

You can also register yourself at the post office or any party offices in your constituency.