KUALA LUMPUR: Political literacy is important to rein in those who have reached the eligible age to register as voters.
Politicians across the divide agree that maturity and knowledge on current issues or policies should be the pull factor for people to participate in the democratic process.
Umno Supreme Council member Professor Tan Sri Ibrahim Abu Shah said while there was nothing wrong with subscribing to political sentiments or causes, it was pertinent for the public to make decisions based on the policies crafted by respective governments.
Abu Shah does not agree with enforcing an automatic voter registration system, which could lead to votes made by a less-informed electorate.
“Voting is a right and power given to the people. An auto-registration is not the answer to mitigate imbalances created by low voter registration.
“Instead, it is important for the people to be educated on voting and what it means in a democratic society,” he said.
Moreover, people should realise that the voting process itself is not apolitical, should political fatigue be the main reason that deters people from registering.
“The act of voting is apolitical in nature. It is something that the public should be aware of. Yes, you can vote for your political stance.
“But it is more important to vote for parties with the best policies formulated to take the nation forward,” Ibrahim said.
Echoing Ibrahim’s sentiment is MCA central committee member Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who said a soft approach in educating potential voters was essential in developing maturity among the electorate.
Ti said only those who were politically savvy should vote, instead of impressionable groups whose votes might derail the nation’s trajectory.
“Maturity is very important in granting mandates to the preferred party.
“Hence, I agree that education and campaign drives are the most suitable approaches when it comes to encouraging the public to register as voters.
“Malaysia is a young nation. Not all segments of society are politically mature.
“For instance, if voter registration is made compulsory, you will have groups of people voting in protest instead of voting for what is right.”
PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said the voter registration awareness should not be carried out by the EC alone.
“Importance should be placed on reeducating the public on the importance of voting, and such endeavours need to be a multi-pronged approach.
“Rather than placing the task on the shoulders of the Election Commission, it is better for civil societies and non-governmental organisations to participate in inculcating awareness about the system and policies laid out in government administration and the country’s democratic process.”