IIUM Journalism Club: UNDILAH: YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR CHOICE

Sunday, November 20, 2011

UNDILAH: YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR CHOICE

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Poster by undilah.com

DEMOCRATIC MALAYSIA

Malaysia is a democratic country which holding monarch under its federal constitution. When we speak about Malaysian constitution, the government system is closely modelled on the Westminster Parliamentary System that we inherited it from colonial era. The head of state is the Yang DiPertuan Agong, and The head of government is the Prime minister.

Malaysian already talk about the coming general election (PRU13). Whether we realize it or not students are also part of the voters and they should be allowed to discharge their responsibilities by voting in the general election of the 12th to be held soon for the good of religion, race and nation.

YOUTH, STUDENTS AND THEIR VOTE

Unfortunately, hedonism starting to penetrate the young people along with development in the world of entertainment that caused them to ignore the things that is more important in their lives, their right to vote.

In a statement of Mohd Faisal Mustafa, a student activist said that 80 percent from 4.9 million of youth eligible to vote have not yet register as voter. The reasons students do not want to vote is they think youth cannot influence the government policies and the future of the country, there is no time to vote, not interested, lazy, not important, but some say do not know where and how to vote.

So as IIUM students what is your preparation, information regarding to our next General Election (PRU13) ? If you don’t register yet for this coming PRU13 lets doing this simple procedure and grab the information here.

1-WHO SHALL I VOTE FOR?

-In the name of democracy, you are entitled to your personal political preference. We don't care who you vote for as long as you do vote.

2-WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO VOTE?

-You need to be a Malaysian citizen over the age of 21. You also need to be a registered voter.

3-HOW DO I REGISTER MYSELF AS A VOTER?

-There are many voluntary organizations, NGOs and political parties who regularly promote voter registration in public places and events. You may register through them. You may also register at any IIUM post office. So simple. Just bring you identity card and ask at the counter. It is very easy and takes less than 5 minutes.

4-WHEN SHOULD I REGISTER?

-You may register at anytime. However, if you intend to vote in the coming general election, please register yourself as soon as possible. The Election Commission imposes a voter registration cut-off period counting back 3 months from the date of the election. In other words, you are only eligible to vote if you had registered at least 3 months before the date of the general election. SO, DO REGISTER NOW AND DONT WAIT!!!