First timers proud to exercise democratic right
MIRI: Young first-time voters here expressed their pride at having fulfilled their duty during polling day yesterday.
Lawyer Henry Tan, 30 said he was proud that he had exercised his right as a Malaysian citizen.
“I am glad that many people in Miri came out today (yesterday) to vote. This shows that they are aware of the importance of voting in a country that practises democracy.
“Voting is not merely a right but also our responsibility. Your vote is your voice and your voice deserves to be heard. Let us make every vote count,” he told The Borneo Post.
Eric Liew, a 35-year- old who works as a customer service officer, said he had been looking forward to casting his first vote ever since he registered in late 2013 at a post office in Kuala Lumpur.
He said he checked his registration status online recently to find that his voting centre is at SK St Joseph, adding he did not register as a voter before because he was not bothered about politics.
Liew said the experience was not as stressful as he had imagined and the whole process was really enjoyable.
“It took a matter of seconds and it felt really good to know that I have a voice. I have enjoyed this election, especially as it was my first.
“Also, I will definitely continue to be interested in politics. Politics is certainly more engaging when
I am glad that many people in Miri came out today (yesterday) to vote. This shows that they are aware of the importance of voting in a country that practises democracy.
you are actually participating and ensuring that you use your right to vote effectively.
“I have always been interested in the voting process, but now I will pay closer attention to see if the elected parties fulfil their promises. I feel proud to be a Malaysian,” he said.
Another first timer, Sophia Eklip, 34, cast her ballot at SK Satria Jaya under Stampin parliamentary constituency.
The primary school teacher from Kuching registered as a voter at a post office here in 2008 but only managed to cast her vote this year.
“Even though it was my first, I was more than ready to perform my duty as a voter and feel relieved that I had accomplished a very important task today (yesterday).
“I hope whoever is going to lead our country is someone who is respectable, humble and understands the needs of the ‘rakyat’, just like our former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem,” she said.
As for 29-year- old health inspector Doreen Usun Raymond, this election is really special for her as it is time to make her voice heard, not just in Miri but the nation as a whole.
A Kenyah from Miri, she cast her vote at SMK Taman Tunku under Sibuti parliamentary constituency.
“I had finally done my part! It truly made me feel like I had accomplished something major. Mostly, it is the right to choose and having a platform to make my voice heard through my vote. I came to understand that, every vote counts,” she added.
Rudy Beltran Paris, 37, said as a citizen, he felt like he had done his responsibility by casting his vote. Hailing from Lawas, he currently works as an administrative officer and resides in Kuching.
“As a first- time voter, I feel proud that I can go back to my hometown to cast my vote.
“I hope the new government will truly be focusing on the needs of the ‘rakyat’. They need to come up with new solutions and initiatives to improve the people’s economy and wellbeing,” said the Lun Bawang lad, adding he went back to Lawas two days prior to polling day to cast his vote at SK Pusat Lawas.
Meanwhile, Esther Juan, a 30-year- old Lun Bawang technopreneur from Lawas, praised the spirit shown by members and supporters of the various political parties.
“Living and working outside Sarawak, I had experienced the difference in political party spirit. After getting inked, I am proud to say that I had made my choice for the nation and not just for my community.”
Henry Tan, Lawyer