IT is only a matter of time before the 14th general elections takes place. 

Campaigns, speeches and rallies would be the norm of the day.

Many have said this would be the all-time nation fate deciding elections. And they couldn’t be more accurate.

However, beneath all the labelling of all prospective candidates with their party logos and banners, as confusing at it may seem sometimes, ultimately, it all comes down to one thing.

Do people want to be associated with the “good guys” or the “bad guys”? 

For those who take the position not to care, perhaps the below explanation may shed some light.

Political parties come and go. Politicians come and go. Party logos change. 

Coalitions are formed by the unlikeliest of allies for political mileage. Politicians change parties. Politicians form their own parties.

These are all things, as history has shown, are normal in the political arena.

They are necessary, if a government is to be formed. You cannot have a government if you do not have political parties. 

But what is our ultimate motivating factor when it comes to deciding which party to vote or which logo to tick on your ballot paper?

Some countries have a two-party system. So, in a way it is easy to identify and choose. 

Other countries, like Malaysia, have a multi-faceted party system. So, it is only understandable some of us get lost in this maze of political parties and sometimes even forget who belongs where.

We have seen politicians jumping from one party to another, singing a different tune depending on where they land.

Unless you are in politics, it is only advisable we do not think like politicians. We are the voters. So, think like a voter. What then, is your drive to vote?

While it is important to appreciate a government for looking after basic necessities, there is always this one motivating factor that inevitably speaks to you and makes up your mind who to vote for.

For me, I have only one motivating factor. I want to be associated with the “good guys”. 

The “good guys” fight for the causes I believe in. It doesn’t matter to me which political party they are part of or belong to. 

The “good guys”, can form however big an alliance and call it whatever name they want. 

They can pick any leader they want. It doesn’t matter to me. All I know is they are the “good guys”. That’s my overriding factor.

I would assume, naturally, everyone wants to be associated with the “good guys” because of our innate nature of wanting to do good. No one wants to be part of the “bad guys” if they can help it.  

When I say “bad guys”, I do not mean evil or ill-willed, just those who don’t have what it takes to run a country in a dignified manner.

So, for me, from now until the elections, the “good guys” can bicker among themselves on certain issues and let their dissatisfaction be known. 

It is fine. It would not change my mind because the cause is always more important than the individual self. 

Likewise, the “bad guys” can say all that is sugary for the world to know, but that won’t change a thing.

So ask yourself who are the “good guys”?  

To answer that, you must first determine what is your motivating factor? To deprive yourself of that answer and to pretend your vote doesn’t count, is probably the biggest disservice you can do to yourself as a voter. – February 2, 2018.

* Puthan Perumal reads The Malaysian Insight

* 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.