I have a confession: I did not vote. So, although I am immensely proud of Malaysia for the first time ever (yes, this beats climbing Everest or hosting the best Commonwealth Games ever), every time I express my excitement or think about how EPIC this is, I will always get a pang of guilt and regret that somehow I’m not really part of it.
So now, I promise, I swear I will register and vote at the next election (or by-election if it happens). Not only that, I promise I will not be afraid to talk politics. I will be as active as I can in understanding and engaging in the (rightfully open) discourse of the governance of my country. Because, for the first time I can see that yes, I, a lonely guy who stays in his room all day writing a blog that nobody reads — can actually make a difference.
A friend once asked me, what did I want out of life. I asked him what did he mean, he said, “You know, like a big house ke, a sports car ke, whatever lah.”
I thought for a while, and answered — I want to change the world.
So this is my chance. This is our chance.
Zaim, I’m glad to hear that you will take a more hands on approach to being in-the-know of the politics in this country. For a very long time the people have been kept in the dark in regards to the issues that effect our country both in the long term as well as the short term.
Thankfully the Internet has provided a free and fair medium, unlike that of our pro-government main stream media, that has successfully seen the truth spread far and wide to all Malaysians. I for one am glad that Malaysians today can be trusted with the opportunity to learn the truth and be well knowledgeable in the national issues.
Also I see that you have made up your mind to register to be a voter for the next general elections. I say to you, do not wait till it’s nearly time for the 13th General Elections before attempting to register yourself as a voter. It’ll be too late by then. Make a commitment to go to your nearest post office and it’ll only take 10-15 minutes for you to get registered.
After that it all comes down to you voting wisely.