By:
Natalie Shobana Ambrose
theSun,
Malaysia (pg 19) May 2, 2013
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/columns/onpointe
The weekends
are usually the busiest day for manicurists. So it's a pity that this weekend
is panning out to be slow for nail specialists, especially when we are told to
hold the manicure and think of it as a national sacrifice. That's the kind of
official voter education guidance we are getting. To paraphrase quotes of high
officials, instead of a manicure, we should proudly wear our indelible ink mark
to show that we have exercised our voluntary right to vote.
While
it's amusing that such high officials are concerned about personal beauty care,
I'd much prefer to know what exactly to expect in a polling station and be able
to find clear, accurate voter education material from the Election Commission.
So
we're clutching at straws and depending on word of mouth, memes on Facebook,
instagram images and creative videos on YouTube. Fold the ballot with one hand
to make sure the ink doesn't smudge the ballot paper, don't use the tissue
paper given – it will splotch, wear gloves, no don't, bring cling wrap instead,
don't paint your nails, paint your nails – it doesn't matter, use a pen, no a
pencil – it's provided for la.
Make
sure you don't wipe off the ink, check that there are no marks on your ballot
paper, make sure the clerks checking aren't writing anything next to your IC
number, mark your vote with an "X" no a "√" will do –
actually anything will do even if you colour within the lines. What about a
thumb print since my finger is inked? No that's to ensure no double voting
silly. You have a right to request for a new ballot paper if you sense anything
fishy, no there aren't enough ballot papers to simply change. There will be
independent observers there, no there won't, yes there will. Don't stay and
linger, go home, no stay as an observer it's your right. It's a tab bit
confusing to say the least.
I'm
quite capable of getting ink on my hands when using a pen, and I never fail to
create a mess when I need to get thumb printed. That's just one issue. How fast
and well am I going to fold a paper with one hand – and this is saying a lot as
I've got good coordination skills. So why not just do it the right way and
indelible ink my finger after I've voted? Not only do you avoid wasting ballot
papers, you ensure there are less spoilt votes, and imagine the time saved?
With all due respect, we aren't the most efficient when it comes to processes,
so you can anticipate waiting in a long queue at your polling centre.
It
seems like we're adding obstacles and creating more confusion instead of using
tried and tested procedures and methods. The use of indelible ink is not new,
and has been used in many countries. So why are we choosing to not follow
logic?
What
we already have is a system open to criticism with regards to seat delineation,
add on phantom voters, electoral roll discrepancies, the guessing-game of
election dates, and now the application of indelible ink before instead of the
conventional after casting your vote. All this continues to erode away our
trust in systems that are meant to have high standards and work for the people.
Why not be clear and transparent about these issues.
On
Sunday, when Malaysians overseas voted, there were so many whispers of serial
numbers not matching, no extra ballot papers if one were to object to the
ballot paper given and the inconsistency of information about marking ballot
papers.
Not
only did these Malaysians have to travel from different parts of the country to
the central High Commissions, they also probably paid premium priced tickets to
do so because of the last minute announcement of election date – many could not
vote because of travel plans made earlier. Is this the way we treat our
citizens? And does this reflect a clean election mechanism is in place
especially since we are a democracy?
Silence
from those in authority is not acceptable, neither is it now, when early voters
have claimed that the indelible ink can be washed off. Perhaps it's all rumours
but to show credibility, we need a commission that does not take things lightly
or to heart but works toward winning and building trust because its mandate is
not from a particular political party or government.
Five
years ago, I can honestly say my voter knowledge bordered more on passion
rather than fact. Thanks to the work of many concerned Malaysians who have
laboured so hard to educate us, we now have a heightened interest in the
election process, better knowledge of our rights and we also have the surety
that there are many who believe and share a similar passion for Malaysia. I am
truly amazed at the creativity and initiative of many who have come up with
voter education videos and even parodies of politicians, political parties and
the election process.
As
we get closer to polling day, we know for a fact that whatever the outcome,
this is a significant election and that next week onwards our country will be
different no matter which party secures the majority vote. With all the noise
surrounding us, take a few moments to think about fairness not just for
yourself but for everyone in this country and then cast your vote wisely.
Natalie believes if you don't vote you don't get to
complain.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
