THE power to decide on the future of a country lies in the hands of its citizens. During the 14th General Election (GE14), more than 70 per cent out of 14.8 million registered voters came out to vote. A majority of those who voted for the first time are university students in their 20s.
“Initially, I was not aware that polling is a big deal,” said Ridzwana Ruzmi, 22 from Universiti Teknologi Mara.
“Voting is a patriotic act everyone eligible should take up to show that we are paying attention to current issues and the problems that needed to be fixed and improved for our country. A single vote can change the future of a country.”
Ridzwana said she got most of the information through social media.
Nik Nazlin Ab Razak, who is studying at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, said voting was crucial as the voice of the people needed to be heard.
“It is the only day where people get to vote to choose who will govern the country for the next five years. As we practise democracy, election is the time to be a responsible citizen and choose the best leader,” she added.
Ridzwana and Nik Nazlin said their parents were the ones who pushed them to register as soon as they reached the eligible voting age.
“Although it took me some time to register because I was busy with classes and assignments, I finally did it at the nearest post office,” Nik Nazlin said.
Nor Afira Yasmin Mohd Roffe, 23 from International Islamic University Malaysia, said she believed voting was important for the future of the younger generation.
“I definitely want my children to have a better future so that they can study in a peaceful environment. Voting is important for students to ensure that we have a guaranteed future.”
Nor Afira registered as a voter when she applied for financial assistance.
“I tried applying for the ‘Transformasi Orang Muda’ programme, formally known as ‘Program Bakti Remaja’. However, my application did not go through because I was not a registered voter.
“So, I registered and was ready to vote for the first time for GE14.”
Nik Muhammad Zharfan Nik Rafidi, 22, said everyone should vote because it was an obligation.
“One vote can make a big difference to a country. Even in Muslim countries, people are required to choose their leader. So, it applies the same for us here in Malaysia.”
Zharfan, who returned to his hometown in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, with a friend to vote, said he registered as a voter in October last year despite having a busy schedule, full of classes and assignments.
Zharfan said initially, the thought of returning to vote was a burden. This was due to the final exams that were coming up.
“We were torn between going home to vote or just focusing on the final exams. We were stressed out in making the right decision, but we decided to go back because we realised that our vote is important.”
Nor Afira said she was about to give up her intention to return to her hometown for GE14.
“I searched for the bus tickets, but they were sold out everywhere. But then, at the very last minute, I saw a banner in my campus stating that my university would provide buses for students wishing to return home to vote.”
Despite having to pay RM100 for the trip, she said it was worth the money spent, which was nothing compared to the experience she got when she cast her vote for the first time.
Nik Nazlin said: “I went to many different bus stations just to hunt for a ticket, but it was sold out everywhere. But then, I finally found one. It was the last ticket and I did not get to choose my seat. However, I am thankful that I got the ticket.”
Ridzwana said she returned home to vote on the night before polling day.
“My sister and I thought we would not make it because the car went dead the night before our journey. But, we got the car fixed the next morning and were ready to hit the road.”
Ridzwana said it was her first time driving at night. “It was quite challenging and we were both women. The road was quite dangerous and dark, too.”
“The journey took 10 hours. The traffic was so bad in the beginning that we got stuck in a standstill traffic at the Gombak toll for one hour, and another two hours heading for Bentong.”
However, they were lucky that there were many cars on the road heading for the same place with the same purpose.
“I hope that our generation’s voice is heard this time. Isn’t this what it is supposed to be like in a democratic country? I hope that our government will do their best in putting the people first,” said Ridzwana who voted at SK Bukit Puteri, Besut, Terengganu.
“And, looking at my finger covered with the black ink tells me I have played my role as a Malaysian,” added Zharfan.