The election fever is on and Malaysians are getting ready to cast their votes even though the Election Commission has not yet announced the nomination day and polling day for the forthcoming 14th General Election (GE14).
The Parliament was dissolved last Saturday (April 7). On that day, the Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also launched a 220-page BN manifesto for GE14 with 364 initiatives under the theme “With BN for A Greater Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur.
Today, the State BN Chairman and Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg is set to launch the Sarawak BN manifesto for GE14. He has revealed that it will include more elements related to the state’s interest.
While voters in other Malaysian states are going to the polls soon to elect their Members of Parliament as well as State Assemblymen during GE14, Sarawakians will be voting only for their Members of Parliament. At stake are 31 parliamentary seats. The parlamentary constituencies in Sarawak are Mas Gading, Santubong, Petra Jaya, Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Kota Samarahan, Mambong, Serian, Batang Sadong, Batang Lupar, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Betong, Saratok, Tanjong Manis, Igan, Sarikei, Julau, Kanowit, Lanang, Sibu, Mukah, Selangau, Kapit, Hulu Rajang, Bintulu, Sibuti, Miri, Baram, Limbang and Lawas.
Once the nomination day and polling day are announced, political parties will be going around, campaigning openly for their nominated candidates and working hard to win the hearts of the voters.
Besides politicians and political workers, also busy will be police personnel and members of the security force who will be working hard to maintain peace and order during the campaigning and voting period as well as members of the media who are expected to keep the news-hungry public informed of the latest happenings in the political scene.
There will be exciting and colourful poster wars and nightly “ceramah” (talks) by different political parties in the hope of swaying and winning the hearts of the voters and the votes.
While the older generation may depend solely on the print media, radio and TY stations to keep themselves informed, many of the younger generations are turning to the social media as their main source of news. This trend is unavoidable because it is the age of the social media.
Most Members of Parliament, who have served their constituents well, should have no problem getting renominated or re-elected as Members of Parliament again on polling day. Those who failed to look after their constituents have only themselves to blame if they are not renominated or re-elected again.
Come polling today, all voters should turn in full force to elect their representatives in the Parliament. Voting is part of democracy and it is our reponsibility as Malaysians to exercise our democratic right to vote in an election. Go to the polls early on election day to cast your vote. Remember your vote is secret.
Let us pray for the election of good Members in our Parliament and a good government to take care of Malaysia and further develop it.
