One of the greatest things about this country is that every few years (no more than 5 to be exact), the power returns to the hands of its citizens. To people like you and me.
Yes, it is the election. A process by which the general population chooses individuals to hold public office – and form government. In the case our country, any citizen of Malaysia who is over 21 years old are elegible to vote.
me in 2007 when I register to vote with SPR
It is speculated in many online publications as well as the traditional media that election could be just around the corner. For those who are elegible to vote (and especially those who never voted), here are some of the things you should know:
- SPR, or Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (Election Comission of Malaysia), is the body responsible that regulates and conduct electionsin Malaysia
- You need to be over 21 and register with SPR to be eligible to vote
- You can register at SPR offices, POS offices with computer, and even Malaysian Embassies at other countries. (refer to SPR page here)
- Registration is free, and you only need to bring your IC
- It takes up to 2-5 months after you register to be eligible to vote. The registration process is divided into four period, for period Oct-Dec, you will be able to vote if the election falls after next February. (refer to SPR page here).
voter registration waiting period in Malaysia – for Oct to Dec registrations
- If you have already registered, click on Semakan Daftar Pemilih to check your registration status, a box like below will appear, key in your IC number to proceed.
find out your registration status
- To change your voting address, you need to be present with your IC or JPN paper to SPR office, counters, or POS offices with computers (the same locations for registration).
- SPR also provide services
Participation in elections is not only a privilege, it is a right that every eligible citizen should exercise. Remember, if you did not vote, you will have no right to criticize the the leaders you did not participate in choosing.
banners of BN & PAS at Kampung Baru, 2008
While elections might not happen anytime soon (maybe not even next year), there is no harm in registering yourself with SPR early. All it takes is a few minutes of your time.
So exercise your right as a citizen of Malaysia, and register to vote, then when election comes, choose the best candidate whom you think will make Malaysia the best country that she can be.
For more information, head to http://www.spr.gov.my.
yeahhhh give a s*** abt your country and its governance <3
suanie: otherwise stop complaining! 😀
wah, we both registered in 2007. quite late though for me, since i had already turned 30 by then. but better late than never, heheh 😀
Sean: yah, quite late for me too, we’re the same age actually. I was not in the country when first eligible, and then 2nd time around I kinda.. didn’t give a crap. :S
Yeah, I registered when I was working in Kuching. The easiest way to do it is via the post office, coz it’s everywhere. 🙂
Huai Bin: thumbs up! 😀
Registered! Time to choose the right one.. Hehe
Nikel: that’s the spirit!
Thumbs up! Thanks for using your blog to change Malaysia 🙂
Friedbeef: thanks to SPR. 😀
Registered half year ago! 😮
Anonymousmich: good job!
hehe. thanks for the information. 🙂 i didn’t know that you can register online first.
Michelle: just go to pos office and do the real thinggg
KY, i totally not agree a statement that you mentioned in this post. You said if i don’t vote, i will not have the right to criticize the leader that i didn’t participating in choosing. That not right. I from the state of Sarawak. Can “Ah Jib” say to me that the increasing of corruption and crime in Malaysia is nothing realted to him? If i want to blame, blame Taib, the CM of Sarawak. That is bull shit. So long they don’t do it right, EVERY Malaysian including overseas Malaysian can criticise them. Not only can criticize them, fcuk also can.
Teck: What I’m saying tho is that if one has chosen to ignore in the participation of democratic process, that leaves very little right for the same person to criticize the leaders and system.
That’s sound better. Ignore to vote is their own choice. Cannot go for voting during the particular date is not our false. If they (government) not allow us to vote is not even our false. As you know, not all the overseas Malaysian cannot vote through post. The reason they give is it will cost too much to the government. I do believe it but i even believe that the actual reason is if they let all the overseas Malaysian to vote through post, is not COST a lot, is LOST a lot.
Teck: yah, those are some of the stuff that needs to be cleaned up, you’re right.
Ky, what you’re saying is: If you don’t vote, don’t bitch.
Totally agree.
Xmarksthespot: 😀
There’s only democracy when citizens exercise their rights as voters. Too bad many malaysians still don’t care.
eiling: hopefully we are seeing some changes here.
Hell, it’s about time.
– Tychus Findlay
Ford_GT: +1