Falisa Abu Bakar's extenuating piece rams home the grim truth about the reality facing today's younger generation - few ideas, ignorant at best and without a care in this world. It frightens me to agree that despite the calls for the younger generation (most of which are first-time voters) to come out and make their voices heard, few would actually brave the heavens to cast their views on where the future of this country should be heading.

That is the price we are paying for our progress and development. That is the price we are paying for the imperfect democracy system we had chosen as our legacy 46 years ago. And as a young person, I am also appalled to agree that to us young 'uns, politics is as far removed as the sufferings of our fellow humans in the West Bank or other parts of the world.

As a young person I am content with what I have, I am content to enjoy life as it is, and I would detest any effort to change it. Our country is enjoying tremendous growth, that despite being in the doldrums after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. I was hit by it, lost my job, had to work odd jobs to make ends meet, and even had to cater for a small family that I had started.

But I made it through, though I am still up to my ears in arrears and bills. Not because I am special, but this is the reality of survival in an urban jungle called Kuala Lumpur - you have to struggle if you wish not to drown.

What do I care if BN loses, or if the country shifts its focus from development to religious piety. Who cares what government is ruling in Putrajaya? I think that wouldn't even give a damn about this insignificant fool from their high perches in the multi-billion ringgit Eden offices that they occupy.

To them I'm just another figure, a statistic that has to be repaired from time to time to enable them to show to the world what a good job they have done. I don't know my rep personally, hell, I doubt if most of us actually do. So why should I vote? Why should I waste my time, actually clicking my keys and igniting petrol that has become more expensive to buy for a long journey just to cast one minute vote?

One man does. He took all the trouble to sign an imprinted letter pleading for me to make that journey. He states that my vote is important, irrespective of my inclinations or concerns. To this particular man, my voice actually amounted to something. It actually meant something to him.

I am touched, for the first time in my life, that at least one man who occupies that perched office shows me that I matter to him. To him I am more than just a national statistic, I am more than just a disgruntled Malaysian who chides at the mere mention of projects, tenders and money.

For someone that knows exactly nothing of me, this one man took it upon himself to convince me that my vote would determine the future of the country he has been entrusted to lead.

He struck home one fine point that could make my vote his. He listens, and tries to hear me. Despite the shenanigans that have engulfed Malaysian politics over the last 22 years, this man actually wants to make it better, to promote gradual changes from within, and to make the country work for me.

I actually felt honoured (and embarrassed) by his friendly gesture; that despite all of it, he treats me like another human being, a citizen with rights, privileges and duties; and above all else, with the respect one should have from a fellow Malaysian.

This man truly believes in his convictions - a more transparent, cleaner and accountable government, a friendlier public service and something to hold on to for the future.

Despite my alienation to all of this, I feel as if he knows me, as if his words were meant for me. Maybe there are people out there who could actually hear us, who actually care. I am voting for this man not because of his party, but because he deserves my confidence. If he doesn't, don't bet on any of the rest getting mine.

Maybe I'll take that trouble to make that solemn journey to cast my ballot. At least I'll be able to temporarily get away from it all. I hope this man will be able to live up to my confidence. I think he can, and is better at it if compared to what others have been offering.

Maybe insignificant fools like me can make a difference, can make myself loud and heard through the solid walls adorning the city state. I'll give it a shot.