Seniors cheer on first-time voters

Radhakrishnan: ‘The right to vote is an important and fundamental right.’

PETALING JAYA: As the young get ready to cast their ballots for the first time, they are receiving moral support from senior voters who are urging them to come out and exercise their constitutional right.

S. Radhakrishnan, 82, a retired legal consultant, said he has voted in 12 out of 15 general elections.

“There were a lot of hassle back then to vote, we needed to apply as well as produce our birth certificate and proof of citizenship,” he said, comparing it to how convenient it was these days.

“The right to vote is an important and fundamental right. Therefore, if you don’t exercise your fundamental right and discard your civic duties, you’re not being a responsible citizen,” he added.

Radhakrishnan said young voters would make a big impact, especially in hot seats, as they were the future leaders.

“You need to choose the government for your own future,” he added.

Datuk Yeoh Choo Hock, 78, is also encouraging youngsters to come out and vote to make a difference.

“Parliament has allowed you to vote, it is your basic right – don’t waste your rights, exercise them,” he said.

Kavisvara: ‘As a citizen, it is my right to vote for the government of my choice.’

Software engineering student Kavisvara Nair is one of the many first-time voters.

“As a citizen, it is my right to vote for the government of my choice, so why should I abdicate my right?” he said.

He added that his family members – who have been voting for many years – played a role in encouraging him to vote.

“I am very grateful that we are given the opportunity to vote for the government of our choice since there are still some countries that do not give their citizens the right to vote,” said the 18-year-old, who is eligible to vote thanks to the Undi18 legal amendments.

Asked whether he would be voting based on the personality of the candidate or based on the party, he said, “I will be voting for the party based on its manifesto. It is crucial to have a party with strong principles.”

Despite knowing young voters will not constitute a majority in the upcoming elections, Kavisvara said he and his peers were still eager to cast their ballots as they believe that every vote counts.

Business student Hamizah Ariff said she would vote through the postal system because she has courses and won’t be able to make it to the polling station in person in Seremban.

“It is really important to vote regardless of how you cast your ballot because voting is the only means to bring about progress,” said Hamizah, who lives in Kuala Lumpur.

She added that she would choose the candidate for her constituency based on the political party to which they belong, rather than the individual, as she was devoted to the party.