GE14 was the mother of all elections for Pakatan Harapan. Every vote was important and that included the votes from the military, police and their spouses. At stake were a total of 278,590 early voters from the two uniform bodies spread throughout the country. The bulk of the military and police early voters were in Setiawangsa and Lembah Pantai constituencies, and that was where we put focus.

Other than Sabah and Sarawak, votes from the security forces were traditionally fixed deposit for BN too. Anecdotes of officers marking ballot papers for everyone in the camps, and the rank and file eligible to vote never got to see any ballot papers, were secrets that had gone open, and horrified the PH politicians. 

Bersih 2.0 and Invoke had requested Patriot to render Paca (polling and counting agent) assistance, which we readily obliged. Providing manpower as polling agents at military and police establishments was only the final aspect. Preparatory works were equally or more important. A thorough appreciation of the ‘battleground’, including knowing own strength and weaknesses and that of the other side, went to our minds; what the civilians called SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. Ground appreciation before an exercise or a battle is something very familiar to any officer who has been a field commander at any level, from a platoon to a brigade. 

A strong message had to be sent to the men and women in uniform that they were free to vote; free from any coercion or intimidation, and that their votes casted would remained secret. Patriot issued three statements urging the IGP and the Armed Forces Chief to make announcement to the effect. Officers who functioned as election officers were reminded of the offences and punishment under the Election Offences Act 1954. 

Next, came the big announcements on our intention to deploy members in military and police establishements throughout the country. Another three statements were issued asking for veterans throughout the country to join us. Five short video clips were aired, showing live pictures narrating our past sacrifices and urging the people to be brave and joined us in the march for change; proving that we are Patriot were not fake in a sea of fake news then. 

Another video was also released – Kembalinya Pahlawan Silam (Return of the Brave Warriors), a sajak that carried a profound message of sacrifice, loyalty, integrity, and called for the people to rise for our country. Our five short video clips plus the sajak video resonated with the people, sending a clear message that Patriot members meant business and we would not tolerate any form of cheating on May 5.  

Those were the preparatory works. Called it battle appreciation, or thunder in the east and smoke in the west, or operation shock and awe; honestly we did not know if it worked. It possibly did. 

The final preparation was an administrative briefing. Our veterans, most of whom held senior positions in the military at various levels of command, instructors, staff duties, and UN peacekeeping missions. These were men with a wealth of experience so unique civilians had no equal. It was amazing seeing the questions asked by the veterans, and the campaign managers of candidates struggled for answers. As military officers, paying attention to details and precision was our trait. 

Being trained as commanders and mission accomplishment was all that mattered; many were averse to politics, and voted in GE14 for the first time. But our spirit and enthusiasm was high. Anyone would grin watching the veterans in their late 1960s and 1970s zealously in Paca action like there was no tomorrow. Perhaps payback time for past elections opportunities lost.

We were out early to take position in the voting streams in schools, military and police establishments on May 5. Seeing our formers colleagues, mostly our juniors in service, was a delight. The Commandant of Pulapol even treated our police members to a “homecoming” tea break. Under our watchful and no-nonsense eyes it was impossible for any ill-intended tricks. Our eyes moved, but not our bodies, even though replacements came late or none at all. Thirst and hunger was insignificant even though food and drinks promised did not come. One of our members had to hold his urine for nearly five hours, considering the fact that many were already or on the verge wherein prostate could not hold.

Make no mistake that Patriots were not complaining, instead empathised with the organisers who were constrained with multiple issues. What mattered most was when the need arose for help in monitoring the early voting for the military and police, Patriots stood up to be counted. – May 9, 2019.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.