VOTE WISELY FOR A BETTER MALAYSIA

The Malaysia General elections will be held once again on March 8, 2008. The incumbent Barisan Nasional government of Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is facing the opponents opposition parties PKR, DAP and PAS.

As the election campaigns move on, the propaganda machines of participating political parties come out with all kinds of promises to convince voters to cast their votes of support. The election manifesto, poster war, political talk, house to house campaign, cyber and media information warfare seem to be used by BN and opposition parties to get the overwhelming support. The more feel good news is being sought to be reported by media to be re-elected with an increased majority by coalition BN. On the other hand, opposition parties are targeting by denying the Government their two-thirds majority.

The Malaysia General Election is the classic opportunity for ordinary people to participate, to vote, and to decide whatever changes are needed and felt in governance. Ironically, it is the powers of the ordinary people who have voting right really make the decision, never the party in power; although they have full control of all the levers of influence. It is the individuals who walk up and can make a choice to define the difference.

The question remains: How are we going to cast our votes this coming 12th General Election? Should we vote for the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition which unveiled an impressive manifesto under the slogan of ‘Security, peace and prosperity’? Or should we give the other side a chance? Or denying the Government their two-thirds majority?

The ability to fulfill the promises, the ongoing intensive economic growth, security, peace and prosperity, various kinds of aid for the people to enjoy a comfortable life, should be by far the more positive or the first priority to be considered while casting the vote.