LETTERS: When Malaysians turn up to vote on Saturday, please bear in mind the following simple guidelines:
First, the dress code. Please do not wear anything blue or red as you might be mistaken for supporting a party.
It is advisable not to wear a T-shirt with a symbol/logo on it, for example an elephant or a key.
Second, be prepared early. To make voting a breeze, prepare in advance, as if you are going for an important interview.
Before leaving your house, check once again your designated polling station (there have been instances where it changes) and take a screenshot, or print it out.
Check once again that you have your identity card (MyKad); no photocopies please.
Third, what not to bring. There is no need to bring oversized handbags — a purse will do. Be mindful that the queue might extend way outside the boundary/gate of the polling station and snatch thieves might be on the prowl.
The new rule pertaining to handphones is that it must be surrendered at the polling station. So my advice is to leave your phone with your spouse/friend or don't bring it along.
As there will be hundreds surrendering their handphone, the probability of your phone being misplaced is very high; all your data and info in the phone will be then gone! So why take the chance?
Fourth, be prepared for a long wait. If you arrive at the polling station in the morning, be prepared for a long wait as there will be an enthusiastic crowd waiting.
If you are a senior citizen (those above 60), please ensure that you queue up at the special line meant for warga emas. Arm yourself with a foldable chair, an umbrella and water.
If you don't want to wait for long hours, then plan to vote during off-peak hours.
Fifth, don't be in a hurry: As you enter the polling room, don't be in too much of a hurry to vote especially when it comes to inking your finger.
Exercise caution and wipe out the ink completely off your finger with a tissue paper; otherwise, you run the risk of staining your ballot paper. The whole idea is not to stain your ballot paper.
Sixth, observe basic etiquette: Please observe basic etiquette especially in the case of those who go for a jog, walk or hike and then head straight to the polling station. Please respect the other voters.
As you queue (perhaps for quite some time if there is a crowd), your sweaty bodies will not please those just before and after you. Don't play loud music while waiting. Please be considerate; respect the other voters.
As a final note, please make every effort to exercise your democratic right on Nov 19. Your vote does count.
Yes every single vote counts; it is your voice. You have the power to change the country's future for the better.
Dr Pola Singh
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times