At about 11.00 a.m. today, I once again stepped foot into Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah (KDPAHA). It's the school that has taught me much during my five years here. It has been nearly 7 years since I left this school; with lots of fond memories and invaluable experiences. Only today, I am returning once again not as a student, and not to get sentimental. Today, I came to KDPAHA to cast my vote as a voter for P.194 – Petrajaya.
Yesterday was kind of crazy; the mainstream media was splashed with the BN campaign agenda, the alternative news online was filled with the opposition parties' campaigns, lots of SMSes were spread around, flyers sent 'flying' everywhere. The strategy of last-minute attack during campaigning period. Each party gave their all-out to try and win the hearts, the confidence, and most importantly – the votes – of the people. Whatever it is, today 8th March is the day the people decide. Which party will become the next ruler of the country? Although the answer is quite obvious: Barisan Nasional. But the real question that many will be waiting to be answered is whether BN can retain a two-thirds majority in the Parliament?
Prolific blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin predicted that five states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah and Penang – may all fall to the opposition party today. And he also predicted that the opposition parties may just be able to deny BN a two-thirds majority. Various factors such as unsettled high-profile cases such as the V.K. Lingam video, the Altantuya murder case, the Hindraf rally, the Chua Soi Lek scandal, may just swing voters' confidence to the opposition. Not to mention the rising petrol prices, the rising of the cost of living and toll prices hike; all are factors which are making the people suffer, and are very important factors that would influence many to change the government.
While the mainstream newspapers and even the television are being fully manipulated by the BN for their own agenda (can't deny this, right?), the effect may be less than ever before. This is due to the fact that more and more people have access to the Internet, and they can read alternative news which are available easily online. This allows the opposition parties to dissipate information and response to the scathing attacks made by the mainstream medias to more individuals. However, what's left is for the people to think and analyze the information that they gather. This is why there is an urgent need to educate the people, to train the people to think better and be smarter so that they can participate actively in the democratic system.
Anyway, at around 10.30 p.m. tonight the full results of the 12th General Election will be announced and the people will have a new government. Whoever the new government comprises of, what's important is that the people win; that is, the welfare of the people gets well taken care of, the future of our children ensure, our youth brought up the correct way, our culture preserved, and our nation develops healthily.
For those who have yet to cast your votes, you still have a few hours to do so. Vote wisely!
All posts in this blog are my own personal views (unless explicitly mentioned otherwise) and are not to be associated with any organization or institution related to me.