Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

THE Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has predicted a low turnout for the state elections that are expected to be hotly contested tomorrow.

That is why worried politicians from both sides of the divide have called on Malaysians to come out to vote.

Such a situation is concerning as it indicates that a group of Malaysians have consciously decided to not exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives for the next term of the respective state assemblies.

There are, of course, reasons why these people have opted not to vote, one of which is that some Malaysians have suffered political fatigue brought about by the relentless politicking among politicians ever since the so-called Sheraton Move.

As a result, certain parties have been busy talking about bringing down the sitting government in Putrajaya as if the economic hardships faced by the B40 group and the dispossessed do not matter much, or should be put on the back burner.

This, in turn, has caused some restlessness among people, especially those whose business and job security is dependent on political stability and economic recovery.

Additionally, the politics of race and religion played intensely by certain politicians has caused unease among the diverse communities, with certain communities being untiringly demonised. It can also have a nauseating effect.

There is, of course, frustration, if not disgust, that has prevailed among certain quarters over the failure of a particular party or coalition to keep to its electoral promise to embark on substantial reforms that would make a difference in our society.

For instance, the scant regard for environmental protection by a particular state government has raised concerns among environmentalists and others worried about climate change when, say, green spaces and hills are replaced by concrete jungle. Parks are seen as a waste of prime land.

While some of these reasons are justifiable, those who choose not to vote should, nonetheless, reconsider their decision.

Why? Despite certain flaws in democracy, voters can still use their right to vote to help make a difference in society in terms of pursuing better governance, accountability, social justice and progress.

Besides, staying away from voting could mean you indirectly helping a party or coalition not of your liking to get into power by default, or to reinforce its electoral strength.

If viewed from a larger perspective, coming out to vote would help tilt the balance so that our collective vote can be a bulwark against the strident voices of racial bigotry and religious extremism that can harm political stability, socio-economic progress and interethnic harmony in our beloved land.

This is apart from helping to vote for a state government that can provide and maintain basic necessities such as clean piped water and uninterrupted electricity supply as well as an improved public transport system.

Having said that, our duty as citizens in a democracy clearly does not stop at the voting booth.

The next five years of the state assemblies would necessitate us to monitor the policies and actions of the respective state governments. For, voting for them does not mean giving them a blank cheque.

As power can get to the heads of certain people’s representatives, the electorate must see to it that they are responsive to the needs and concerns of the ordinary people.

This is where interactions with the assemblymen are crucial in the form of, say, town hall meetings, letters, petitions and even street protests become an important part of the democratic process.

At the end of the day, if the elected government proves to be incompetent and worse, detrimental to democracy, it would be justifiable that it should be thrown out in the next elections.

Our votes are meant to make our lives better. We must see to it that it stays that way. – August 11, 2023.