Malaysia will have her next General Election (GE16) soon. When exactly, we are not certain but we must all prepare for it. Otherwise, we will be wasting the precious right to vote for the betterment of our nation.
I have been pondering. Like many seniors in Malaysia, I have been faithfully casting my votes for the past few elections. For many, it will also be their first time to exercise their right to vote. For others, it may be their second, third or fourth time. Some may be excited but others may be disheartened or remain passive come GE16.
I would like to share some thoughts here:
- The rakyat is the one who decides who to represent them. So, the onus is on each eligible voter to exercise this right. Unless you have done your duty as a citizen, then you have no right to lament later.
- In less than 10 years, Malaysia has had five prime ministers! Hence, the problem of an unstable government to the detriment of the rakyat. Many have become disheartened and disillusioned by our leaders. I cannot deny that. Let us allow this experience to challenge us to make our voice heard–even louder than ever before by casting our votes wisely.
- From our history, many have also come to the conclusion that politicians cannot be trusted. Yes, many cannot be trusted, as evidenced by tainted reputations, the scandals that have been exposed as well as the many cases or problems which remained unsolved. However, if we are honest and fair, there are those with integrity and worked hard to improve the lives of the people as well as the progress of Malaysia.
So, what should each one of us do? Cast your vote so that your conscience is clear; that you have done your part. Start thinking rationally and critically who you are going vote and put your trust in. However, we must also bear in mind that our present government came about because none has the required majority needed. As such, there have been many unavoidable setbacks.
What am I really looking for in our next election?
- I hope in GE16, we will have a clear, good choice of who can entrust our future to.
- I am targeting candidates of integrity. This trait is simply displayed in their attendance at every parliament sitting as that is their job. If our parliamentarians are seen to be frequently absent in Parliament, MIA (missing in action) in times of crisis or problems, then they are definitely not cut to be our representatives.
- I am praying that men and women of intelligence, grit and courage will fill the seats in our parliament. Then we can expect intelligent debates and good discussions to solve each problem or improve our country in all areas. Definitely, a ‘NO’ to arguments over trivial matters of a person’s dressing, food or preferences. After all, Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-cultural country. We need leaders who are matured and broadminded and humble to uphold this unique diversity that we have as a nation – leaders who are matured enough to think rationally, broadminded enough to understand and put themselves in the other person’s shoes and humble enough to accept differences in opinions when they are debating or discussing policies.
- I am hoping for each Malaysian who has the right to vote to really put GE16 as top priority in their calendars when the time comes. Regardless of all the failures and shortcomings that we see around us, let us remind ourselves, there are still some who are true, good, humble and intelligent, working very hard. We must give these leaders all the encouragement and support that they need.
So, fellow Malaysians, “Are you ready?” Are you ready to give yourself a chance to reset the course of our nation and cause Malaysia to soar again? Will the challenges and reversals that you have experienced make you a more matured, and wise voter?
The best is yet to be. God bless Malaysia!
15 May 2026
Mei Wong (mwrejoice@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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