YOURSAY | 'Thinking that it’s neutral is wrong, as spoiled votes are what BN is going for.'

Why so angry? Just let them spoil their votes

SusahKes: Yes, right. And that's how US president Donald Trump won the election because Democrat supporters weren't happy with their candidate Hillary Clinton, and they decided to stay at home and watch football with their Budweisers and German shepherds.

And what happened after that? All the snowflakes are still crying. I have a good hunch you would do the same when the time comes. Go read here.

Vijay47: Malaysiakini columnist Maryam Lee, you claim that "traitors" and "stupid" are words frequently used to describe the UndiRosak camp; reading your article, these words would equally, or with more vigour, be applicable to you too.

I can understand that Malaysiakini would want to allow all views to be aired, but I believe that some basic intelligence and logic should be a firm requirement.

On the question of not voting, there would essentially be two categories, those who for any reason are unable to do so, and those who refuse to vote as part of their political strategy. You have the audacity to hold that "your rights as a citizen never diminish just because you do not tick a small box."

And if through your "undi rosak," you allow an unjust government to continue to rule, how long do you think "your rights as a citizen will never diminish”?

This single line reflects the maturity you labour under.

Awang Top: Maryam wrote: "One does not simply lose the right to voice opinions just because one does not vote."

Yes, you might be logically correct, but you are morally wrong. It is just like if your neighbour's house was broken into, and you did nothing to stop it.

And yet you are nosy enough to give all sorts of advice to him on security. That would be immoral behaviour.

Anonymous 7433800654341: American management consultant W Edwards Deming said every system is designed perfectly to get the results it gets. This means that if we allow less intelligent politicians to run the country, do we expect it to progress like Japan or Taiwan?

Some people advocate the belief not voting does not diminish the rights of the citizens nor imply they have less civic responsibilities. Maryam said nobody ever died for a vote in Malaysia. I immediately think of those who died during the riots of May 13, 1969.

I think of those who died in the custody of the police or the anti-corruption agency. I think of some people who had simply disappeared. I think how many motorcyclists have hit potholes on the road and suffered injuries or deaths.

I see wastage and corruption, but no one is held responsible. In developed countries like Japan or Taiwan, scandals are routinely exposed, but not in less developed countries.

I see Malaysiakini appealing for funds, and wonder why ordinary people rushed to donate. I look at my vote and wonder how many Malaysians realise these issues are solidly linked to the ballot box.

Madam X: This is very short-sighted. Pakatan Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad is the opposition's choice for their eventual prime minister because he can garner the votes of the rural folks.

He is already 92. Surely, he will happily step down to make way for others, including the younger leaders if Harapan wins.

Please don't sabotage this chance of a lifetime to change the political scenario in Malaysia.

Phanga 1742: Maryam, I have a number of young workers in my firm. When I told them that there's a concerted effort by people like you to organise a boycott of the elections, they uttered in dismay and exclaimed, "What utter nonsense is that?" Some even shouted expletives.

NoFaham: I just hope our youth are more rational and can think better. On one end, we have a 60-over-year monster who is pillaging the country bare, and on the other side, is a new grouping that has not had the chance to prove themselves yet, although credentials from what they already have prove that they can do better.

To spoil the votes with the thinking that one is neutral is wrong, as spoiled votes are what BN is going for. Logically, it's a vote for a better future or to remain as we are now, with our markers going from bad to worse.

Appum: Those who spoil their votes, those who don't go out to vote, those who don't register to vote... put them all into one basket and mix them up, and they complement one another. There will be no difference between them.

What is there to be proud of or shout about?

Whatsup: I subscribe to the fact that every vote counts in the face of treasonous acts to ensure the incumbent stays in power. And we all don’t have time for the youths to grow up to take over from the seniors because our democracy has been hijacked.

In a normal democracy, sure. Take for example, you put in people like PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, a very capable man and a potential future PM to lead and he’s jailed on ludicrous charges, then the whole effort dies. Even PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim can’t do a thing except to rot in jail.

Can you imagine the incumbent jailing or harming Mahathir? Pandemonium would break, and that’d be the immediate end to the ruling party’s reign. All youths must do the right thing now for their future. Don’t play into the kleptocrat’s hands.

Prudent: I believe that Maryam has raised very relevant points:

1) The Harapan-BN "feud" is lost on many youths and is not a magnet for their votes;

2) Those who want to spoil their votes as a protest should not be targets of anger; it's their right to do so;

3) The youths need younger faces in politics so that they can be confident that their needs are addressed; the nomination of a 92-year-old as PM has sent them a wrong message;

4) Youths have a right to complain even if they won't vote, because the reasons for their not voting are relevant;

5) They feel that their votes change nothing since they would be voting in the same "political culture";

6) Voting is the weakest form of political expression.

Point no 6 is likely a veiled warning. This is because one may ask the question: what then is a stronger form of political expression? Maryam's euphemistic answer: "A lot more electoral politics."

In the meantime, Harapan politicians, please listen to what the youths have to say and want, even if you disagree with them. Cater to their needs in your manifesto for GE14. At least some like Maryam are speaking up from the sincerity of their hearts.

They still have hope and are trying hard to communicate in the ways they know how, like threatening to spoil their votes in order to get your attention. It's when they fall into a sullen silence that we should be really worried.

So please respond when they are still communicating, and even more important, likely be still listening. After all, they are Malaysia's future.

Ace: This notion of spoiling your vote is dumb, real dumb. We have to make a stand and be counted. Not voting or spoiling your vote is tantamount to saying, "I am not bothered! Whoever runs the country is okay."

In which case, you have forfeited your right to complain after the elections.

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