Confessions: Why I Didn't Vote In GE13 Even Though I Was Eligible

However, they will not be the only ones voting for the first time come 9 May.

A 2017 Malaysian Insight report revealed that the under 30s form two-thirds of the 3.7 million Malaysians who are not registered to vote despite being eligible.

Approximately 2.43 million of them are between 21 and 30 years old.

SAYS: Why did you not vote in GE13?

Liyana: I never cared to register because I didn't believe that my vote could make a difference. I was studying overseas and complacent with how things were in the country, so I just didn't make the effort.

SAYS: Why have you decided to vote in GE14?

Liyana: Now it's different. I've realised that my vote actually matters. I can't have this mentality that my vote is insignificant because what if everyone thinks that way?

SAYS: Why did you not to vote in GE13?

Joe: I forgot to register in time so I didn't have the chance to!

SAYS: Why have you decided to vote in GE14?

Joe: I have this democratic right to vote and I don't want to waste it. It's truly a privilege and I wish I understood that better the last time around. I'm glad I've realised it now though. No one should take it lightly!

SAYS: Why did you not vote in GE13?

Carmen: I didn't vote because I was travelling and had not registered in time. Also, I didn't have much of an opinion on politics then.

SAYS: Why have you decided to vote in GE14?

Carmen: I have become more politically aware and I know now which side aligns with my views better. I really want to do my part and not waste an opportunity like this since it only comes once every five years. I don't want to feel like I'm not doing my part as a Malaysian.

SAYS: Why did you not vote in GE13?

I was in San Francisco and it was difficult to vote because the nearest embassy was five hours away. I didn't know how postal voting worked. Being overseas during the campaign season and elections, I also didn't know much about what was going on back home.

SAYS: Why have you decided to vote in GE14?

My dad asked me recently whether I was going to vote, and when I said I wasn't sure, he made a lot of good arguments as to why I should. It's my right and I have a duty to my country. Even if I don't agree fully with either side, I should still show up and vote.

SAYS: Why did you not vote in GE13?

Joanna: I wanted to vote, but my registration had failed and I wasn't aware of politics enough. Sadly, other priorities took higher importance than fixing the registration issue.

SAYS: Why have you decided to vote in GE14?

Joanna: It's a good thing for the next generation to start contributing towards positive progress that will guide us to the next level. I want to be a part of that.

SAYS: Why did you not vote in GE13?

I have not been voting because I thought that both the government and the opposition were not worthy. Especially among the urban crowd, I think people generally underrate what the government has done for the country and overrate what the opposition can bring to the table.

SAYS: Why have you decided to vote in GE14?

I changed my mind when I had a little debate with my girlfriend. It's actually all about taking the first step towards political maturity. In my opinion, we should always pick the party which offers the best rather than blind allegiance. This is something I want to see happening in Malaysia.