DEAR Malaysians, with the general election at our doorstep, let’s not miss the chance to vote only deserving candidates to parliament. 

Each vote is a golden opportunity to ensure the true voice of the people is heard in parliament. It is time to live up to the spirit of power of the common man and not the few in political parties.

There is no point in whining and complaining for the next four to five years about having the wrong representatives in the august house. For the past four years-plus, we have had three different governments, and practically all were disappointments to us.

Promises were not kept. Their manifestos were nothing but academic. 

They kept each other in power by agreeing on some memorandum of understanding and there were just too many political frogs, paid handsome salaries and getting multiple fancy allowances while experimenting with the sentiments of the people.

And yet, unashamedly, these political parties are again asking to be voted into power.

The future of the nation is not to be toyed with. 

We cannot afford to once again walk into political instability as it could have grave consequences on our well-being on all fronts. The country needs healing from corruption and self-centred politicians and political parties. 

Enough of unfulfilled promises and manifestos that are only meant to fish for votes and dumped aside thereafter. Enough power-brokering among those not initially given the mandate to govern us. 

Enough of those who do not feel the pulse of the people. 

We don’t need politicians who are in denial of the true pathetic state of certain issues. 

Dear voters, you have some good people and political parties out there that deserve your vote. They may not have the financial power and means, but their motivation and struggle deserve recognition. 

All they need is a platform, which we voters have a choice to give. 

Don’t be taken in by the same old calls of slogans and empty promises by the already highly tested and miserably failed political parties and their leaders. 

Vote wisely with a critical mind and not that is emotionally driven. No point sitting in coffee shops later and complaining about how rotten the systems are.

Your vote counts, and it carries your voice. – October 17, 2022. 

* Narinder Pal Singh 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.