DEAR Millennials and Gen Z,

You may not be aware that it was your ancestors who fought for freedom that each of you will now have the right to vote.

By voting, each of you will honour their struggle and sacrifices for a better future for all Malaysians.

Yet your perception that your vote probably doesn’t count is understandable. 

Older voters, especially the generation of baby boomers, are also disillusioned with the two coalitions that claimed to represent the voters in this country.

After the events of February 2020, there is a high possibility that many may choose to sit out the next general eelection.

In a country that is more divided than ever, every vote counts.

President Barack Obama’s election in 2008 is an example of this as his popularity with youth voters was one of the key elements of his campaign.

Dear millennials and Gen Z,

could your one vote swing an entire election? 

Indeed it is true that most votes predictably have no impact.

But there are some situations in which you vote will count.

Your vote could actually change the country for the better.

That’s a very small probability, but it is big compared to your chances of winning a lucky draw. It is big, relative to the enormous impact you could have on the country.

Even though the constitution guarantees each citizen the right to vote, don’t take it for granted.

The country’s parliament and state assemblies are elected by and for the rakyat. 

You can vote for a better government if you are dissatisfied with the current one. 

If you do not vote, things will remain the same or grow worse. Amid new global challenges beyond our control, which could have wide-ranging ramifications on Malaysia, the country needs strong, visionary and dynamic leaders who can hold us together and steer the country into the unknown future.

If the country is left with a bad administration, it is your fault too for not voting at all.

Dear millennials and Gen Z,

Is it really too much effort for you to decide which way to vote?

The country is spending RM332 billion this year to spur economic growth and improve the well-being of the Malaysian Family. 

At a population of 32 million, that works out to almost RM10,000 per citizen. 

This suggests that each vote from the Millennials and Gen Z substantially increases the value of that spending and improves government policies. 

If you divide that by the time it takes for you to vote, it looks like a great opportunity for each of you to do good. 

If you don’t follow politics, find someone you trust who does and shares your values, and ask them for advice.

The organisers of the #Undi100Peratus campaign for a 100% youth voter turnout in the general election are doing a good job and every right thinking Malaysian fervently hopes that the young people will heed the call.

Please tell them what you want for the future of Malaysia. – April 17, 2022.

* FLK reads The Malaysian Insight.