Citizens, get your skates on - log on and tell the government what you really feel about what’s going on in this country.

Pollster Sdn Bhd today launched its online survey product called Sarawak Pollster, an opinion polls website. Its first poll: Freedom of speech and the media.

Company director Goh Yong Tat explained that the website is named after his home-state.

"Also, the website would be conduct surveys on (Sarawak) issues as well as politics at the federal level," said Goh.

The launch was held at the Malaysiakini office this morning. Editor-in-chief Steven Gan inaugurated the website by being the first to be polled.

Democracy a living process

In his speech, Gan congratulated Goh and called the website "a new effort to strengthen freedom of speech and democracy".

"The powers-that-be have always been the ones to tell Malaysians what they should feel or what they are able to express, but the advances of (communications and media) technology have made it possible for people to express more.

"Democracy is not just about going to the ballot box but is a living, breathing process that needs constant feedback," said Gan.

Goh promised that the website would be independent, noting that "a biased portal lacks credibility and we do not intend to fall into that category".

The site he said, will leverage on commercial advertising rather than external funding to sustain itself. The results are expected to benefit various parties like the government, media and business communities.

Those above 18 are encouraged to log on to the website, and have been assured confidentiality.