Every vote counts, including yours

IT’S no secret that the political situation in Malaysia is the butt of jokes; the target of criticism. You’d have to be living under a rock to not hear about by-elections, politically-incorrect politicians, or Perkasa’s latest faux pas (wrongdoing). You also probably get invited to peaceful demonstrations, protests and marches via Facebook or Twitter.

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Many of us follow the local political scene with interest, seeking out information instead of waiting to be fed with. We devour news stories (after all, with Taylor’s IP login, MalaysiaKini is free!) and pass comment freely, be it to mock, condemn or praise.

But how many of us walk the talk? As young, educated adults, we possess a heady power: the ability to make a change. And yet a startling number of us neglect to take the simplest step — to register as voters.

It’s unsurprising, really. Busy with assignments, part-time jobs, family obligations; growing up is a juggling act of epic proportions. But it is important that we as a group, a vocal and powerful one, realise that the potential for change is in our hands, that we are a catalyst. Don’t be fooled into thinking that your one solitary vote doesn’t matter, because it does. It is a gift, a fundamental right: to speak out and express your beliefs in leaders, policies, freedoms and equalities.

The way the country is run is our concern, so let’s make it a point to kay-poh-chee (be nosy) as much as we can. Taxes? Corruption? Toll and petrol price hikes? It’s our business,

so make sure you give yourself the ability to voice your views in the form of a vote.

A random sampling of the Taylor’s University student body reveals that they do understand the importance of voting. However, this doesn’t mean doing so is a simple matter. Time constraints and badly-managed registration systems are a definite obstacle, albeit one which pales in comparison to the benefits.

So if you’re 21 and residing in any election constituency in Malaysia, please do drop by your post office or registration center. Or find a mobile booth - much like the one we had here at Taylor’s recently - and sign up there. Mobile booths can be found everywhere, from shopping malls to hip events like Urbanscapes. Check out www.dosomethingepic.com to find a mobile registration booth located near you.

You matter. Your vote matters. Call us cheesy but this time around, you really do have the power.

By: Tashny Sukumaran (19.11.10)