It’s on! Fellow Malaysians, let’s rock the vote
Image from gotellmama.org
By KEITH LEONG
With the dissolution of the Malaysian Parliament, the months of speculation as to when our nation will have its 12th General Election is finally over.
To all Malaysians who are registered to vote, whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever your political orientation is, I hope you will turn out in force to exercise your rights and responsibilities as citizens by voting when the time comes.
Democracy is a beautiful thing, especially when it exists in both theory and practice.
We can argue endlessly about what constitutes the former, but the latter thing needs two to tango, so to speak. No doubt many will criticize my understanding of the word called “democracy” as uninformed or shallow, but I will always believe that it is never exclusively a top-down or bottoms-up process. And just because one side doesn’t believe or practice it, it does not in any way excuse the other from either.
In the lead-up to this election, much effort has been made in the blogs and elsewhere to persuade young Malaysians to register to vote.
To those who have and will do so for the first time, congratulations and I look forward to joining you.
To those who are not eligible yet, patience, for your turn will come soon.
To those who have not or will not, I hope and pray that you might change your hearts or minds next time around.
I have always believed that voting is one of the most essential, purest expressions of citizenship in a country. Some have agreed with me, while others have not.
It is to the second group that I wish to address myself to, because like Sukarno I believe that you have to address yourself not only to the people who think the same way as you, but also to those don’t.
Whenever I bring up the issue of voting as a part of citizenship, I notice that the negative responses tend to focus around three themes, namely:
* There are other, more important rights and duties in regards to citizenship.
* People should be allowed NOT to vote.
* There is no point of voting in Malaysia.
For the first argument, I concede that being a good citizen takes many forms. But, like it or not, citizenship is also political, and unless you choose to actively take part in the political process of your nation, no matter how futile or forgone it may seem, then your citizenship is not complete and you have no standing to criticize or complain about the actions of a Government you had no role in electing or opposing.
The second one seems to be the height of irresponsibility to me, an abdication of one’s right to determine the future of one’s nation out of apathy, or even worse, simple laziness. The third one is the most problematic because, I am willing to admit, and the electoral process in Malaysia might seem like an exercise in pointlessness.
But let’s be honest: if not now, then when?
Must we always let the possibility of making a difference, no matter how slight, pass? Must we always stand outside the fire? If we, the youth of Malaysia, the supposed hope of the nation and its future leaders, refuse to take our place in its national life, then what hope has our country have?
Perhaps our votes might not change things. Perhaps the politicians will always remain corrupt or incompetent.
Perhaps it is foolish to believe in the dream that is Malaysia.
But I simply cannot stand by and not think, speak, write and vote in the hope that what little I can do might help move our land one step forward, to that ideal which is the birthright to every child that is born here.
And what is that birth right?
The Malaysia I believe in, the Malaysia that I feel men and women like Datuk Onn bin Jaafar or Tunku Abdul Rahman believed in is a Malaysia that is just, colour-blind and a home of opportunity for its entire people. Close you eyes and imagine your own version of a complete Malaysia, whatever way you want it to be.
It is possible, but only if we have an active citizenry that is not afraid to voice out its concerns to a Government that is willing and able to listen.
I believe in my heart of hearts that such a Malaysia is possible one day, but that each and every one of us must work towards it. Voting is just one way to bring it about, but a very important way.
I look at what I have written so far and I am conscious of how hopelessly idealistic, utterly naïve it might seem.
But 13 years ago a boy woke up and saw election posters and banners flying high in his neighbourhood. He read the reports in the newspapers. He saw men and women line up to cast their votes. He watched breathlessly as the results came in over the television. Over the years he saw other men and women doing the same thing in places like East Timor or South Africa, and saw how much it meant to them. He saw it all, and in his heart he knew there was something special to what they were doing.
Well, that boy is now a man, and that man is proud to call himself a Malaysian. And because I am a Malaysian I refuse not to vote, I refuse not to believe that my two ballot papers, one for my MP and the other for my State Assemblyman, will be cast in vain.
I refuse to believe that democracy does not, will not work here in Malaysia and elsewhere. It does not behove a free people to feel otherwise, and believe me, in their heart of hearts Malaysians are just that, though fear and sectarian jealousies may hold us prisoner now.
Regardless of how you vote the current election is one that can change the face of Malaysia, but only if its people turn out in large enough numbers.
Youth of Malaysia, lead the way. This next General Election is emphatically NOT the time for cynicism.
The fate of our nation is in our hands.
–
KEITH LEONG is a contributing writer for theCICAK.
Keith was born in Melaka, grew up in Damansara Jaya. He recently completed a master’s degree in English from the University of New South Wales, Sydney. He enjoys baroque music, grand epic movies and long walks.
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Comment of the week
I defend my right as a Malaysian to talk about anything that concerns Malaysia.
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First!!
I knew it. Def, I won’t make it this time, cuz I’m oni gonna turn 21 this 21st March. Darn.
Oh well, there’s always nxt time.
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Does anybody know if one is able to vote in advance? I know you can do that in Canada, but I was wondering as I’ll be back in KL only until March 2 and I believe the election is on March 8.
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I helped campaign in 1999 and 2004, but both times I was not eligible to vote. However, I basically wrote some articles and had dialogs during both elections, with those who were deemed the “people’s representatives”. In 1999, I was pro-Opposition, but in 2004, I was more towards a less corrupt government.
In this upcoming election, I have started listing the broken promises of our current PM’s government, and at the same time I highly disregard the Opposition in my constituency, especially when it comes to PAS, no pun intended on that one.
You know what, I will vote for the government, but I honestly wished I could choose my own candidate for Prime Minister because I honestly think this Prime Minister is obviously the worst one yet.
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For Malaysia’s Youth:
Hello Keith,
You’ve raised some points on the forthcoming Malaysian election but I’ll concentrate on just three.
Firstly, the theory and practise of democracy as a political system. Democratically elected government is the leading form of political legitimacy today, adopted by over 60% of nations in the world. So we can safely say the concept of democracy does work in practise, not just in theory. The two are interwoven and cannot separate, not because we cannot understand the theory to manage the practical aspects of democracy, but because they must function together. Hence, there is no democracy in name only. If it is, it is called something else. Dictatorship comes to mind.
From the tenor of your article, I believe what you seek is correctly called ‘liberal democracy’. And to ‘rock our vote’ requires all of us to believe that our representatives will, well, represent us. This unfortunately is not true because the value of an individual which is the cornerstone of liberal democratic societies does not exist here. The pre-conditions in any liberal democracy are the separation of powers, individual liberty (speech, religion and property ownership) and, most importantly, the rule of law. A simple glance at our recent history, and current media reports, will reveal that none of these requirements are fulfilled completely. Until we vote for our constitutional liberties, our vote will not see the light of day. Liberal democracy is neither top-down nor bottom-up. It is not merely a process. It is a form of governing, of respecting our rights and of our way of living. It is your and my liberty.
No, a liberal democratic society does not yet exist in its entirety in Malaysia. Will we get it? Perhaps, but not in my lifetime.
Secondly, your urging to make a difference now (”if not now, then when?”) is laudable. However, it is a false argument. The question is not when, but how? A free and fair election is clearly the preferred method to choose our leaders. Whether this is available, has been and still is, is in doubt. The question is also why? Just like any Malaysian, I value my work, my aspirations and my lifestyle. Unlike some Malaysians, however, I also value my choice and if we cannot vote for a less corrupt, less incompetent and less representative government or opposition, then why vote? Why give any party any mandate at all? Neither the candidates nor the parties are offering to give what we seek.
Finally, that the youth of Malaysia care enough to blog on the upcoming elections is a good sign. However, it takes more than caring. It is also worth asking our youth what do you value, and how hard are you willing to work for your values? Do you just value your right to blog as you like? Or do you care that you are writing correctly and addressing real issues? Why exhorth the youth to ‘lead the way’ when many of our youth today are not committed enough to think through the key questions we face, when political sound-bites and value-free discussions or blogs are preferred to realistic analysis of the problems many Malaysians face today? I have not been monitoring closely the discussions of this blog but suffice to say youth today are not facing their future honestly.
Issues of poverty (HINDRAF), independent judiciary (currently showing), racial intolerance (crimes are perpetrated by blacks), independent media, and the list goes on. Where are the youth on these matters? It is not just about voting. It is also about valuing your fellow Malaysians when times are bad, and when they are good. It is the apathy of our youth today that I despair.
Perhaps I am wrong and our best and brightest do care. Yet, I have not seen any indications on this blog. Now, let’s be clear, I do not want to be the town scold. But it takes a lot more than simple write-ups to seize your future and serve your fellow Malaysians. You also need to swerve policies. So, don’t just vote, or not. Know what you are voting for.
Individual liberty is, and has always been, a matter of choice. And, an informed citizenry will always be the best safeguard. Only then can we achieve a truly liberal democratic Malaysia.
To conclude, allow me to quote GB Shaw, famously used by Ted Kennedy to paraphrase his brother Robert on the ocassion of his brother’s funeral:
“Some men see things as they are and say - ‘Why?;
I dream things that never were and say - ‘Why not?’”
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aput! after all this time! i tot you were at least voting us
get wordpress, it’s easier to comment on your blog that way. stopped me a few times, even after i got (and prob lost) a vox acct
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I applaud this article. Idealistic as it maybe, I am glad that there is a movement toward eradicating apathy amongst us youth. However, sir, I have a huge problem with one of your points:
” * People should be allowed NOT to vote.
The second one seems to be the height of irresponsibility to me, an abdication of one’s right to determine the future of one’s nation out of apathy, or even worse, simple laziness.”
What if you do not like the candidates? Would you still put it down to laziness and apathy?
There are a lot of people who do not vote mainly because they do not believe in the candidates.
Why vote for someone, whom you do not believe in, just to exercise your right as a citizen? If you do not want to vote, you have the same right not to vote as you have the right to vote.
Now, if you can’t be *BOTHERED* to vote, that is the laziness and apathy you are talking about.
Good luck.
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I’ve always wondered (and still do) why it is everybody seems so in love with this concept of democracy?
What’s wrong with a dictatorship? Provided the dictator doesn’t go around killing people as he pleases (oh no, wait…democracy does that too) what is wrong with an autocratic ruler?
And that’s just a thought for you people out there who are soo willing to prove that you are “good Malaysians” just because you are going to vote.
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Hey nat,
Sorry to hear about the vox account, but I would vote for the Opposition if they proved their case in my district of Bandar Anggerik (aka Shah Alam). So far, they’ve proven nothing of the sort.
Plus, the Opposition here is PAS. I’m pretty much a liberal, so asking me to vote for PAS in Shah Alam, a conservative Muslim area, is pretty much a double whammy for me.
Plus, the State government and town council here has basically fixed every single grouse I’ve put forth to them since the beginning of last year.
Say what you might about Khir Toyo being the Botox dentist, I think he’s going to live up to his word that Selangor may be going all BN this election.
And I think he’d deserve an all BN win, if he can get Dato’ Zak out of Klang….
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With the high crime rate in PJ as well as Kelana Jaya, I don’t think so.
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formalaysia I must say your comments were spot on dude.
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“So, don’t just vote, or not. Know what you are voting for.”
now that part, I do agree with.
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Hafiz,
The crime rate has nationally gone up 13%, which is one of the grouses that I pointed out in a blog entry.
The thing is, to bitch about such an issue when the government is trying to recruit 60,000 people and spending RM200 plus million and still having problems goes so far to show how deeply rooted this problem is.
People go so far as to make it a racial issue, saying that the non-Malays are not doing their part in the fight on crime.
Truth be told, the only part one citizen should have to do would be to pay taxes for this one….
But here’s the thing, there are 60,000 vacancies. The recruits from a certain race do not want to become constables, preferring instead to go directly into an officer posting.
The pay and benefits, though increased, is still not enough for Malaysians to risk their lives for, thus the lack of enthusiasm and attraction to the job.
As a person involved in Rakan Cop and also Rukun Tetangga, I ask you, what more can one do?
The government’s solution to this is simple. Add more cash and try and get more people to join the force. That’s all they can do, but what are the citizens doing to help curb crime?
They definitely aren’t stopping their kids from going to the pasar malams alone, even after Nurin…
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Arivind,
Thank you for agreeing with me, dude. Though that was not the kind of response I had in mind.
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aput,
The issue of rising crime in Malaysia is telling. Instead of seeing the Force as sectarian, of non-Malays not contributing to boots on th ground, why not question whether our Police Force should be based along racial lines in thr first place?
That $200 million to get 60,000 positions filled seems to be an absolute waste of money. Better men has done more with less. It’s called management and accountability.
I do agree that we Malaysians are too much of a cafe latte crowd. The issue is not and should be about economic incentive, but civic duty. It nevers pays, financially, to be on the right side. The hours are long and a salary that barely afford a lifestyle.
I should know, I was once in the Force. And they were very few of us who volunteered because it was the right thing to do. I am not a civil servant today and have gone on in life with my own business, but it was worth it.
It is precisely what I ask of our youth, how much are you willing to sacrifice for the benefit of all Malaysians?
————
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“why not question whether our Police Force should be based along racial lines in thr first place?”
Because people like you make it an issue in the first place. It is “based” along racial lines because the Chinese aren’t too fond of civil service in the first place.
Oh, and do you know who the Federal CID director is?
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[…] It’s on! Fellow Malaysians, let’s rock the vote […]
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Hope that all Malaysians not only go out and vote but to also make their choice known. With all the resentment I hear all i see ar BN and UMNO flags gracing buildings everywhere. I shall boycot a certain mall in KL since its draped with a blue flag with the scales of injustice on it. Many low cost flats also are graced with the flags of UMNO and BN. I suppose the residents are all to happy to deal with the price increases due to the mismanagement of the countrys economy and resources!! True that many are fooled by the mainstream media. Well some are boycotting ion certain days. Why not we boycott the media everyday and let it be known to advertisers that we are boycotting? After all publishers are not bothered about sales of their paper since most of their revenue comes from advertising.
As for the police ..well maybe those who still see it as a force that can be depended on will need to have a great PDRM experience to get their eyes open. Looking at how this “200″ year old force that is always claimed to be understaffed and overworked can turn out in full force to curb the expression of freedom of 300 people but yet cannot ensure the safety of our resedential areas is truly baffling. To think they got a raise in their salaries recently, I wonder if it was to make sure the police tow the line of KJ and gang.
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I am sick of politicians warning Malaysians that me and my fellow villagers will run amok if we feel threathened!! I am happy to have a goverment that ensures we Malays progress but to trample on the rights of others in the process is against all I believe in. And what are Malay rights anyway?? The right to have a proper education? The right to a job? The right to own a house? Arent all this basic human rights? Who will take this right away from us? The Chinese who have built most of the big cooperations we have today from scratch? Or perhaps the now angry Indians who worked the plantations? Or is this all just a ploy by a small number of people who are stealing the wealth of the nation for themselves while waving swords and championing rights?
I wonder. After all who has the right to say how many percent of the economic cake i should have? Who are these people to dictate such things? If the nation is well managed and the economy is robust, if i work hard enough there should no limits to my wealth and progress. Am i right?
Well i know who the champion of my rights are now. Its non other than me myself. After all when a man of questionable reputation can warn the nation that I might run amok…..it really tells me alot about his mindset. Who can warn us of chaos, trouble and rioting bt those who quietly plan them out themselves?
Do we Kg Baru folk stand to gain anything by igniting a blaze that may not get put out? We do not have posh homes in Perth or jets to fly us there. Nor do we have bank accounts that can sustain us for years without work let alone weeks. What do we have to gain?
Why do we need to harm our fellow chinese mechanic? Or my favourite tosai maker?
To my fellow brothers and sisters out there. Please please use your common sense..its buried down there somewhere under that pile of garbage wwe have been believing all these years.
We must stand together as Malaysians for e all depend on eachother. Lets save our nation from the real trouble causers and put them where they belong.
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Just found out that the State Seat Kota Anggerik (my constituency) has a PKR member representing the Opposition.
So perhaps I’ll go to one ceramah and listen. Wouldn’t have bothered if it was PAS.
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[…] itself has played host to one of these harangues, by Keith Leong, while another by Huzir Sulaiman appeared in The Star a few weeks prior to the […]
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