Many hit by voter fatigue, GE15 still fresh in mind

GEORGE TOWN: With the 15th General Election (GE15) just over eight months ago, the voter fatigue syndrome has set in even though people in six states in the peninsula are to cast their votes again on Aug 12.Entrepreneur Mohd Redzuan Abdullah Zawawi, 39, said he was tired of Malaysian politics as GE15 was still fresh in his mind.

“To be frank, I don’t think this state election is worthwhile. Even if we can choose a different state government, it still won’t make much difference.

“After GE15, I am still hoping to see some changes from the new Federal Government, especially on institutional reforms and cost of living issues,” he said.

Mohd Redzuan said he was fed up with excessive politicking.

“Having said that, I will still go out and exercise my right to choose the candidate who can speak for us,” said the father of three who will be voting in Teluk Bahang on Penang island.

Public relations officer Nur Aainaa Zulkiflie, 37, though feeling fatigued over the local political scene, said the people needed a strong government, both at the state and federal levels, in order for the ringgit to stabilise and the country to attract investors,” she said.

Nur Aainaa said what most people wanted now were prices of items such as eggs and chicken to stabilise.

“Politicians will promise everything before an election, but once they form the government, they will keep on politicking and forget all about their promises,” she lamented.

Engineer M. Gopal, 35, said he might not be able to return to his hometown in Alor Setar to vote this time due to work.

“I am busy with some new projects. Anyway, I just voted last year,” he said, adding that he was disappointed with Malaysian politicians who were mostly good at sweet-talking.

Political expert Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said it was difficult to gauge the voter turnout this time.

“Each of the six states will face a different scenario if the voter turnout is low.

“For example, in Kedah, it could affect the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional pact but not in Selangor, which has a lot of urban voters who will likely vote for the government of the day. However, I believe that all parties will be affected one way or another if the people do not come out to vote in the state polls,” he said.