Charting a new course: First-time voters Nevatha (left) and Yakkesh, are hoping to make a difference.
BUTTERWORTH: After attending several ceramah in the last few days leading up to GE15, Yakkesh Sri Ganesh now has an idea of who to vote for.
The 18-year-old, who will cast his ballot as a first-time voter, said he was excited to go to the polls tomorrow.
“I am happy that I can finally vote. My parents have been educating me about political parties and key politicians.
“If I need any advice regarding politics, my parents are always there to patiently explain to me.
“I am the eldest in the family and I want to set a good example to my younger siblings,” he said when met recently.
Yakkesh, who is still studying, is among over 100 youth in the Prai area who attended the launch of the MyPerai programme at the Sri Selva Vinayagar Prai Temple.
The event saw Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is contesting the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat, sharing his experience as a politician of over 30 years.
“After listening to the Chief Minister’s speech, I understand the importance of my vote for our country’s future.
“I also get information on the candidates’ track record and manifestos from their social media accounts,” said Yakkesh.
Another first-time voter, P. Nevatha, 18, also wants to make a difference in charting the country’s future.
“I am the youngest in my family and all my elder siblings have voted before.
“Finally, it is my turn. My friends and family have been talking about politics lately and I am really interested.
“Sometimes, my father will show me videos online so I can learn more about politics,” she said.
Separately, Chow said he had served in Tanjong for 36 years.
“I started as a political secretary to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang in 1986.
“I was also Tanjong MP for four terms.
“This time around, I have moved from the island to the mainland to continue my political career,” he said.
Chow added that Seberang Prai was the future of Penang.
“Seberang Prai is the engine of growth for the economy of the state and the Batu Kawan constituency houses the industrial corridor of Penang from Prai all the way to Batu Kawan.
“Through industrialisation, we are able to generate more job opportunities for Penangites.
“I urge all youths to come out and vote, come rain or shine,” he said.
