By Jeff Yong
If someone who is politically not-so-well-attuned about the state-level elections taking place in six states on Saturday Aug 12, he or she may have to be given some leeway. Or be forgiven.
The crux of the matter is that the state elections this time around are not the same as the one last November! First things first, the political mix is different.
In the last polls, the battle lines were clearer. Now there are new alliances in the aftermath of the unity government at the federal level as well as in some states.
Barisan Nasional (BN) is now Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) ally. Now you have UMNO, MCA and MIC from BN in Peninsular Malaysia joining forces with PKR, DAP and Amanah as one entity with a strong emphasis on unity among citizens. It wasn’t like that some eight months ago. A different ball game this time, so to speak.
On the other end of the scale is Bersatu and PAS, who are banded together as Perikatan Nasional (PN). Its supporters tend to be labelled as part of the “green wave” in view of their religious leanings.
Joining in the fray are MUDA and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), whom many dismiss as playing a spoilers’ role. Or are they out to prove a point by relying on the calibre of their young candidates? It all depends on who they are, some of whom are very articulate.
Talking about proving one’s point or two, you might have to be saddled with some disgruntled party politicians. These are people who have not been fielded by their own political party and decide to enter the fray because they often claim that their constituents love them!
So, they enter the polls to prove a point as independent candidates. And it gets more complicated when those who had won on a different ticket or platform are standing against candidates from their previous party!
So, what have you got to do as a voter? The obligations of a voter in a political election are many, include casting your precious vote.
To be able to do so, you have to suss out the candidates in your constituency by at least attending one or two of their political allies, either big or small.
Your vote is important because you are going to choose leaders of tomorrow, based on their character, ability to help the constituents as well as articulate on important issues that have a strong bearing on you.
Always remember – voting is your fundamental right. And when you exercise that fundamental right, you might eventually realise your importance as a citizen in fulfilling an important responsibility!
That precious vote of yours can either make or break a political party’s stranglehold on a government, be it at national or state level.
As a voter, you need to look at the candidates and issues carefully. Choose someone who can work for your interests. As well as for the public at large.
Do vote for a responsible, progressive and stable government. Vote carefully and wisely. Stand up and be counted by going to the polls on Aug 12, 2023.
–WE