GE14 | Young first-time voters cannot wait to exercise their voting rights, come the 14th general election on May 9, according to a random survey by Bernama.

Bookstore owner Muhammad Khair Zawawi, 23, firmly believes that every vote is important in determining the future of this country.

"I can't wait to cast my vote although I'm still uncertain about who (the candidate) deserves my vote."

Muhammad Khair said his choice of candidate would be based on his/her personality and not the party.

"I hope our new elected representative will fulfil his responsibilities properly and hear our voices. I certainly hope he doesn't wait for five years before making an appearance in our area.

"I also want him to attend Parliament sittings regularly and, most importantly, be a person of integrity," said the young entrepreneur from Rawang, Selangor.

Chloe Cheah Huai En, 26, an administrator in Puchong, Selangor, said it was the responsibility of every citizen who is eligible to vote to elect a stable government to lead the country.

"I believe that even one vote can make a difference because every vote counts in increasing the mandate of the elected government," she said, adding that she hoped the new government would address the prevailing high property prices, among other things.

'Vote sensibly'

Private school teacher Siti Zafirah Harun, 24, from Shah Alam, Selangor, hoped for a higher voter turnout this general election.

"I hope they use their power of reason to vote and not their emotions. Vote with an open heart and a clear mind," she advised.
The electorate must make sure that they exercise their right to vote because it is in the interest of their country, which practises democracy, she pointed out.

Siti Zafirah also felt that the younger generation's vote would greatly influence the outcome of GE14.

"Even a few votes (in terms of majority) can make a huge difference in determining which candidate wins," she added.

No longer an observer

Project manager Elia Suhaily Md Yacob is 39 and a first-time voter, too, as she had chosen not to cast her ballot in the previous polls.

Explaining that she did not like the underhanded tactics used by some politicians to defeat their opponents, the mother-of-two said this time, however, she would return to Muar, Johor, to vote as she did not want to remain an observer.

"I believe that fence-sitters like me, who are not obsessed with any particular political party, will end up determining the winners," she said.

She also hoped that the coalition that secures the mandate to lead the government for the next five years would do something to improve the education system and ensure that the benefits accruing from the country's economic development trickle down to all levels of society.

EC makes it easy

The Election Commission (EC), meanwhile, has made it more convenient for registered voters to check their current status.

Effective April 16, voters can use EC's smartphone application MySPR Semak to check where their polling station is located. The app will also let them know which polling stream is theirs, thus saving them time.

Voters can also check their status via the EC website at www.spr.gov.my or by calling them at 03-88927018 or by sending an SMS to 15888.

Election Academy director Hasanul Isyraf Naim said: "Don't be afraid to vote because the voting process is safe and confidential. Nobody can stop you from going out to vote."

Hasanul also reminded voters to bring along their identity cards when going to the polling station. Voters, particularly those with disabilities, can seek the help of EC officials if they encounter any problem.

The EC will announce the election results live from its headquarters in Putrajaya via its PRU14 Facebook page.

- Bernama