In our recently concluded 15th General Elections (GE15), the rakyat has spoken through the ballot box. It was a good experience for many first-time voters. To many who have voted in a number of previous general elections, casting their vote is a responsibility as a citizen of this country. So, despite the weather forecast of rain and flood during this season, many were not deterred. Many were pleased at the fair weather and how smooth everything went. Many too stayed up, glued to their televisions till the next morning keeping track of the results.
Then the the official result was announced: Pakatan Harapan won 82 Parliamentary seats, followed by Perikatan Nasional, 73 seats and Barisan Nasional, 30 seats, followed by the Borneo Bloc (Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah), gaining 22 and 6 seats respectively. This resulted in a hung Parliament.
Translated to figures, Pakatan Harapan actually had the popular votes by quite a sizeable margin. It was very clear what the rakyat of Malaysia wanted – a change of government. The rakyat has tasted what it was like under the rule of the former coalition. We have seen how our nation suffered domestically and internationally. We were frustrated and disgusted when our voice was silenced with the Sheraton Move in February 2020. Will our voice carry weight this time? Will the rakyat’s mandate be stolen again this time? I pray not.
Leaders of both the leading parties had their own claims of numbers. I think, this time we cannot solely be playing the number game. This is our nation’s 15th General Election. We have matured as a nation. Common sense tells us that the party with the highest number of votes must be given the mandate to form the government. From the results announced officially, Pakatan Harapan should be the one given the right to invite others to work with them to form a stable government for the next five years. It should not be other parties voicing out their choices. All parties must learn to respect us the rakyat of Malaysia.
I hope we can all agree to give Pakatan Harapan, together with the Borneo Bloc (GPS and GRS), a full term of five years to help steer the nation in the right direction. To me, that is maturity of politics in Malaysia. The rakyat has again spoken out loud and clear. Can you hear us? Will you honour us?
By Mei Wong
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