The Great Thing that is the Democracy in Malaysia

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.

The Power is in Your Hand this Saturday

Every 4-5 years, we, Malaysians, will get to decide where the country is heading for the next term.

I am ashame to say that although I am a qualified voter since 2 terms ago, this is only the first time I am going to cast my ballot. I have SK to thank for bringing me to the Postal office for registration last September.

I was in the States and thus not able to vote on the 10th General Election. 4 years ago, there was the feel good factor, coupled with my laziness to register as a voter that prevented me from doing my part in this country. This year, I am doing it, and my vote will count.

I have slowly realized that the voting is not only a right, but a responsibility. A responsibility we shall honor for the sake of our countrymen and our motherland. Like it or not, I am born in this country and this is my home, I have a responsibility for her well being. I need to do my bit.

There are a few categories of people whom aren’t going to vote for one reasons or another. Some are too lazy, some don’t care, and some scared of the repercussions they might get if they vote against the power that be. Whatever your reason is, I respect your decision, but I might not be in agreement with you. It is sad to see people succumbed to the class bully, the scare tactic should not be effective in a democracy.

To those who will be voting, let our voice be heard.

Whoever you are going to vote for, vote wisely, vote for someone whom you think can give you a voice, can represent you, and can help move our country back to the right direction for I am saddened to see that she is veering a little off course now.

I will be very anxious this weekend.

remember remember, 8th of March
ballots, flyers, but no ink
to the casting stations let us rush
and let the real representative wins..