JOHOR POLLS | As politicians tout their campaigns for the Johor state election, a concerning refrain appears to be emerging among Chinese voters in small urban areas: some might not turn up to cast their ballots at all, no matter how many promises are made.

Interviews conducted by Malaysiakini among voters in several state seats indicated that the apparent fatigue among residents runs deeper than misgivings against any single party or candidate, with most making it clear that their apathy is not due to a lack of knowledge regarding the election.

Instead, what came up repeatedly was a sense of unaddressed frustrations resulting in a calculated move to withhold their vote, evidenced by their comments insisting that voting changes little, coupled with their belief that those elected will disappear after polling day.

In at least one household, the distrust has become deep enough to pass down to the...