Don't vote for money, says Tun Mahathir
Malaysians must take their responsibility seriously when choosing the right leader through their vote, as they hold the power to shape the government.
SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
SHAH ALAM - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad urges voters to make decisions based on principles and the future of the country, rather than being swayed by financial incentives.
Dr Mahathir emphasised that Malaysians must take their responsibility seriously when choosing the right leader through their vote, as they hold the power to shape the government.
“If you want to vote, please don't vote for money.
“When we fail to vote, what happens to the country? We can't blame anyone but ourselves,” he said during an exclusive interview with Sinar Daily titled ‘Politics, Corruption and Possible Revenge: Fireside Chat with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.’
He added that Malaysia operates under a democratic political system, where citizens have the right to vote and choose their government during elections.
He also highlighted the percentage of voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu recently where 49 per cent of Malays did not participate in elections.
Dr Mahathir also urged the people to approach this responsibility with seriousness and to shift their mindset to combat the risk of electing wrong leaders who use money and other unethical means.
Tomorrow's by-election in Sungai Bakap marks the eighth held since the 15th General Election.
It features a direct contest between Pakatan Harapan's Dr. Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail, following the passing of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
Sungai Bakap is one of three state assembly seats under the Nibong Tebal parliamentary constituency.
The Election Commission (EC) reports 39,222 eligible voters out of 39,279 registered.
Voting would take place from 8am to 6pm at nine polling centres with 65 streams, culminating in vote-tallying at Jawi Multipurpose Hall in Taman Desa Jawi.
Security and traffic management would be overseen by over 600 police personnel.
In the last state election, Nor Zamri, also Nibong Tebal Pas chief, won Sungai Bakap with a 1,563-vote majority over PH candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose.
