BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & ANNABELL NAJA TOMMY
KUCHING: As the polling day for the 15th general election (GE15) draws closer, political parties are hard at work as they pull out all the stops with their campaigns to win over the voters.
Amid the campaigns, the first time voters have expressed their views on whether they should vote for the candidate or the party as well as factors that they will take into consideration when casting their ballot this Saturday (Nov 19)-.
For this, New Sarawak Tribune reached out to some of these first time voters on that matter.
ANGEL ESIM JOHN, 19
Student
As a first time voter for GE15, yes, I’m voting for the candidate because voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent, such as additional funding for health care and social services. This happens both through your vote based on specific propositions as well as those we elect to leadership positions that commit to supporting key social services in our communities.
FLORA BAJIK, 20
Student
Personally I think that I will vote for the candidate in this election after taking into account that he or she has done their job in developing the area. I have to see whether that particular party or candidate has done their part, be it in giving financial assistance to the people or by developing the infrastructure of the constituency concerned.
BETHANY MEGAN, 19
Student
As for me, I take into consideration whether the candidate is able to speak up for our rights in the parliament which is the most important factor as our voice needs to be heard and what belongs to Sarawak must be given back to us. I am voting for the candidate who can do his part in maintaining the welfare of the people. Thus, my area will have a better infrastructure in years to come, hopefully.
KLINSMAN KIT, 25
Production Worker
My support will be for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) because it guarantees the harmony of the people of Sarawak and often provides for the future of the youth. The coalition is able to advance the development and economy in Sarawak better.
BRYAN EASTER JERRY LENON, 24
Production Worker
Gabungan Parti Sarawak has my support to ensure the well-being and harmony among the people of Sarawak. In every party, there are good leaders of calibre, and there are scapegoats. As a first time voter, my duty is to choose more strategically for the benefit of the people.
MOHD SAULI, 28
Security Officer
I have not decided which party I will vote for in GE15 because I am still researching who can solve the issues that are very crucial to me, namely regarding corruption and also the economy.