LETTER | A message for all new voters in this 15th general election

LETTER | The election season is back, and voters are super excited to experience the hype of the 2022 Malaysian general election. 

New voters and young adults are also in the limelight as important keys of change for the general election outcome markers. This is good news, but are we digging deeper into the luxuries we are putting at stake with this year's election? 

Are we also providing ample guidance for first-time voters to help them educate themselves and make good choices that can alter and make or break their future?

Let us take a look at things new voters need to take note of before the coming 15th general election, from me, a fellow first-time voter. 

Before voting, we need to get ourselves prepared for the physical conditions we go through. Go on to this website - https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my - and get to know your voting details first, especially the place you have to vote and keep a PDF copy of this information ready. 

Also, try to be there, at your voting venue, on time and wear appropriate attire to the voting centre. Avoid short pants, mini-skirts and round-collared T-shirts. Instead, opt for more professional attires and dress business casual. Slacks and collared shirts will look good and crisp. 

Refrain from political logos and colours to avoid provocation and disrupting the peace. Remember that party sensitivity is easily triggered during this time. 

Also, bring a bottle of water and some light snacks while waiting if you have blood sugar level issues - and to also remain hydrated. The process might take a while, so try to not make important appointments during this time.

Try to do prior research on the candidate options of your area and look up their manifestos and past glories. We need to know the past of a candidate to know his or her capabilities in holding a powerful position - and their manifestoes to understand their plans to better our country. 

Look into a candidate in depth to figure out a better choice than the others. Picking based on the party is also important to take note of, for each party has its own pros and cons as well that which can do more harm than good or vice-versa. 

If the candidate is good, but the party is not up to par, we are unknowingly voting for the worse party as the ruling government. We need to understand the fundamental truth, which is that the government will be run by more than one person. It is an organisational unit, so keep this in mind when making your choice. 

In a nutshell, do not forget to cherish the moment as a voter, while also being mindful of the country's future and well-being. This is due to the fact that the growth of a country depends on the people who run it too, as well as the people. 

As a first-time voter, I admit to having less exposure towards the process and the candidates than my parents. So, all of you, remember to do your personal research and make a good choice for the generations to come.

Happy Voting, Everybody!!! 

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.