Yesterday was finally the day obviously a lot of Malaysians have been waiting for. The official voting day had finally come. I flew back from KL early in the morning just to join the crowd - to cast my vote for what was hopefully a better change for our beloved country that we have all grown up in.
Now, to be honest, I had no idea who was actually standing in my area - who it was didn't really matter, as I was already confident which party I would be voting for.
After a hearty breakfast, I went along with my parents to our designated polling station to cast our votes.
At the entrance to the school we were of course greeted by volunteers and workers from the Election Commission, which directed us to the classrooms to cast our votes.
I proceeded to the classroom that my name had corresponded to in their system. The policeman on duty there obviously didn't like having his picture taken. I was really glad he allowed me to take pictures anyway so I wasn't really complaining.
I think they only allowed up to 2 people into the classroom at any one time, so people can take their time at the booths - so of course, there would be a queue to actually go in.
When you go in, the people at the reception reads out your name and Identity Card number out loud to another 2 volunteers inside to crosscheck that you have not voted yet.
After which they handed you the ballot slips for you to take to the booths to cross who you want to vote for in 2 seats, the state seat and the parliament seat for your area.
When you're done, you can then proceed to those transparent boxes situated right in the middle of the room to drop the vote in.
After you drop those slips of paper in, you're done! Yup, you've made a difference in our democracy! (OK there may be some areas where there may have been some fishy business going on but that's probably another story!!)
Anyways, in case you haven't heard, I was very pleased that a number of states fell to the opposition this time. The results were slowly released from dinner time last night, and the opposition now officially controls a number of prominent states in Malaysia - Kedah, Selangor, Kelantan (retained actually), Perak and of course, my home state of Penang.
I can tell you that I can't be any happier.
I stayed up until late last night just following the live news and of course malaysiakini.com which was probably the most accurate source of news.
Well I would be much happier if people like Khairy and Hishammudin were knocked out as well, but hey, our Uncle Samy "Yenade" Vellu is gone, and a few big names that have been associated with not so good deeds during their time - which I can't be bothered naming anymore.
The main papers really sold like hot cakes today, with most people so eager to read the official results. Business went on as usual today - and everywhere you could hear the election talk continuing in Penang, especially discussions going on about our new Chief Minister, the ever famous Lim Guan Eng.
A lot of people have also mentioned that they aren't too sure what's going to happen now that the opposition have wrestled control of so many of these important states, but as I have mentioned to my friends who bring this topic up, any change is good change.
The ruling coalition and their so called elites - all these cronies who have been sucking us dry needs to be taught a lesson and here it is. The people are fed up, and it really shows.
I speak to people I don't really know and the word on the street was this - you go in to vote, not caring who you are voting for. Most people have already decided even before the official voting day who they are voting for. Campaigns from the ruling coalition fell on deaf ears, as a large number of people let their votes speak for themselves.
This to me is the dawn of a new era - and all those dirty politicians that had been taking us for a ride need to start feeling scared because times are changing.
I am proud to be Malaysian today. I am even prouder of the people who have voted for change.
eh, he's not gone lah
"the one voted against me are not indian. My people still needs me. I will stay to serve the MIC."
Pak lah will eventually elect him as a senator. and he will resume duty as work minister then.
not to take away from this historical event, (Congrats to all who voted..), but sounds lot like what is happening in Pakistan, Spain, and the US (Obama 08!).
.. we are the one's we've been waiting for...
Change, yes we can!
Among the five states that have fallen into the hands of the Opposition, I couldn't have been happier for Selangor. It would have been interesting to see what happens now to Khir Toyo and Zakaria. Unfortunately the latter had to die of a heart attack though.