My Vote
Election fever is at its peak. Tensions are flaring, emotions are escalating, and rumor mongering provides much entertainment.
My modus operandi for my second general election is simple: I vote based on the candidate and not the party.
To many, that statement is ridiculous, and basically, unconventional.
Hey, I am unconventional. I am eccentric.
My reasons: I vote for truth and justice. If the ruling party does something good, I applaud it. If the ruling party has a bad policy, I criticize it. Same goes for Opposition parties. I don’t legitimize illegal activities/policies just because I support that person or party.
A candidate is the person we select to represent our concerns, and will be our voice. If you choose a candidate not knowing his/her background but just the general party, how sure are you that he will represent you sincerely and wholeheartedly? For instance, we have:
- the case of the Municipal Council in Shah Alam who built his mansion illegally,
- the Malaccan Customs Mgr that closed one eye to illegal activities,
- while a Minister in Prime Minister’s office thinks suing parents who’s children are murdered is a good reminder to other parents to be watchful of their children when their children’s death itself is already a strong reminder..must you threaten to sue them when clearly they are suffering enough?
- the same Minister in the Prime Minister’s office is too proud and smug by stating on globally aired Interview on al-Jazeera that the Government is perfect and there is nothing to improve
- What’s worse, is action is not taken on these individuals when we are striving to have a clean and efficient government (especially the first 2 cases)
- I watched on TV how when Malaysians congregate peacefully to submit a memorandum of their concerns, they are subjected to tear gas and water canons. They did not thrown stones at the police, nor did they cause a ruckus to the city. The Government say they listen, but why are they afraid of a piece of paper? Tear gas will only create misunderstanding among the local community, and invite bad media coverage to the global community. Can’t we just accept the memorandum, read it, debate it and make a decision and stick to the decision?
- Scrapping indellible ink at the 11th hour: C’mon, what happened to previous ‘promises’ and commitments? Empty and broken promises do not resonate well with the people. Shame on you, EC.
- MPs in Parliament debating why Siti Nurhaliza married an older man because her action will cause women to reject younger men. What?!! There are other pressing issues to discuss and Siti’s personal life becomes a topic?!!
- When candidates call for debates and debates are rejected with the reasons that Malaysians are not Westerners and Malaysians don’t debate. Dear hopeful MPs, Malaysians DO want debates. We are speaking up, but you are not listening. You should listen. We are the YouTube generation
- Hijab should not be forced on Muslim women. They must willingly and wholeheartedly don the hijab because THEY want to. It’s a personal choice.
Honestly, I do not want these individuals representing me, or any Malaysians.
When I pay income taxes:
I want the tax to be distributed to Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah Sarawak regardless who ‘rules’ the state. Taxes are paid to the national government, so all Malaysians should enjoy free education, infrastructure, and basic amenities. Kelantanese, Sabahans and Sarawakians are Malaysians and deserve what is their right. Btw, education in Malaysia isn’t free. We have to buy or our text books, and materials. In other countries, text books and notebooks are provided by the school. This is because the tax payers’ money REALLY goes to the education sector.
Petronas Royalties should be distributed to the rakyat and not just at selected states or ruling-party states.
Zakat that goes to Baitul Mal should be given to individuals based on merit and need.
In a nutshell, Malaysia’s income which makes the Government’s spending (scholarships, infrastructure, etc) are really coming from Malaysians. Malaysians put Malaysians through to universities.
Yes, some friends ridicule me for this stand, while others respect my choice. To each his own values. We should agree to disagree.
The Subang Jaya constituency is very interesting. We have individuals from all walks of life competing. I did my research with the assistance of concerned citizens:
Kelana Jaya Parliamentary
- Lee Hwa Beng (MCA)
- Loh Gwo Burne (PKR)
- Billi Lim (IND)
Subang Jaya
- Hannah Yeoh (DAP)
- Ong Chong Swen (MCA)
I had to read blogs, manifestos, watch videos of these individuals to convince me of my vote.
For the parliamentary seat, we have a candidate who shot the Lingam video, and a passionate independent and the Subang Jaya incumbent. It’s a close and clean fight. Subang Jayans respect one another. You don’t see a SEPUTEH scene here 
Subang Jaya seat is one to watch.
I will select a leader that is not afraid to be questioned, to stand up for truth and justice, to speak for the people in Parliament without fearing of ‘breaking ranks’, respects Malaysians for their beliefs and principles and deliver on their promises once elected.
You’ll see me in Subang Jaya tomorrow. To all who are voting, your vote determines our future.
Selamat Mengundi!
Asma Wan signing off
