Caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on the 10th October announced the dissolution of parliament, nine months before its term ends, paving the way for the 15th general election (GE15).
The Election Commission is expected to soon announce the nomination and polling days for the election which will for the first time see 18-year-olds casting their votes.
New Sarawak Tribune talked to rural voters to get a feel of their expectations.
Anderson Kalang Lah, 40, a voter in Baram
“I think the announcement is timely because we want a stable government and attract foreign investors. Since 2018, Malaysia has had three Prime Ministers. During this time, we continued to witness chaos and bickering among various political parties. The situation indirectly affected the country’s development and stability… because of this political crisis we are losing to our counterpart – Indonesia – in the competition for foreign investment. Foreign investors are shining in Indonesia. The dissolution of parliament will this give the rakyat back their mandate to choose who to govern the country for political stability.”
Spanski Steven, 26, a young voter in Baram
“The Prime Minister’s decision to dissolve parliament to make way for GE15 is timely. The election is not only to return the mandate to the rakyat to choose capable political parties to govern this nation, but also to bring stability in the country. Malaysia had made history of its own , with three Prime Ministers in one parliamentary term, it is a gloomy period for the country and we need to bring Malaysia back to its glory days. This time around, the situation might be more interesting when first timer voters aged 18 would be casting their votes, it is important that they know who to vote for to bring Malaysia to a better future.”
Aaron Allan Robert, 22, voter in Baram
“Of course, I’ve prepared for this moment. The mandate is back to the people to choose their preferred political parties that they think will be able to make Malaysia a more stable nation. As one of the young voters, I think we must be aware of the current political situation. We need a stable nation, and I think the election is the only way to stop all the political bickering.
