WITH limited funds and resources, parties in the opposition parties have long relied on volunteerism to run their election campaigns.

DAP and PKR, which are fielding young candidates in the elections, have tapped the urban young working adults group for volunteers to perform a range of tasks from putting up flags or to serving as polling agents and counting agents (Paca).

Internships at the office at an opposition politician are more popular following the 2008 elections, when first-time candidates such as DAP’s Tony Pua and Hannah Yeoh enlisted student trainees to help service their constituencies.

“I believe it is more than just volunteer work, I think it is interesting to be able to help out in the general election,” said Carine Cheong Kay Wei.

The 22-year-old volunteer who recently completed her Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP) said simple tasks such as carrying flags and setting up booths helped her feel positive about Malaysia.

“Earlier this year I started out helping (Pakatan Harapan Segambut candidate) Hannah Yeoh in her Subang Jaya office (while she was assemblyman) and a month later, the general election was announced.”

On whether she was worried if her volunteer work with the federal opposition would affect her chances of getting a job, she said she was, but only at first.

“I did worry that it could affect my chambering applications as some law firms have partners that support Barisan Nasional.

“But I would not want to work in a place that takes my political stance into consideration for employment, anyway,” she said.

Boh Zhuang Yui said PH appeared to put out more advertisements than BN for volunteers and interns.

The 25-year-old said volunteering gave her a sense of involvement in the shaping of Malaysia future as as well as the chance to meet new people.

“It’s good networking, and it’s good to know we are working together for a good cause,” said Boh who volunteers at a PH party.

She said she was also getting an education on her rights as a citizen, and learning about different types of people.

“When I helped out at a walkabout, I learnt about tolerance because not everyone welcomes you,” she said.

For Amrul Othman, 23, his volunteer work a Paca was to inspire his friends to participate in national events and politics.

“I asked my friends to help out and volunteer and they refused, but when they saw that I signed up and that it was interesting, they joined in,” he said.

Amirul, who has just finished his degree in accounting, said he wished to help count the votes because he had an interest in numbers. – May 6, 2018.