I got up early to a peacefully beautiful, serene Saturday morning. It was an important day not only for the country, but me, my family, and my friends. It also marks the first time I’m exercising my right as a citizen. This is where I was born, where I grew up, and was thoroughly bred. This is my home, so there’s no reason why I should not bother. As I was approaching the school where I would be casting my vote, I noticed a group of BN supporters near the entrance. They had banners, posters and a canopy set up there. No booths or canopies belonging to any other parties was in sight though.

A few policemen were standing outside the school gate and the parking area had its perimeter secured with yellow tapes that read “Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia” (Election Commission of Malaysia). While driving past the school looking for a parking, I couldn’t help but notice other voters walking towards and out of the school. Most men came in slacks and jeans. I began to wonder if I was being a tad too under-dressed for this solemn occasion. Looking for a parking was a breeze, as voters normally left immediately after they were done voting anyway. I parked further up the road, next to a field which I knew very well.

The booth to check voters’ particulars was located just opposite the guard house in the school compound. I thought it was compulsory to line up there so I joined the queue. I later realized that I already had all the information I needed when I checked my status online last week. An usher directed me to my polling station and I quickly shuffled across the hallway after thanking him. I tried to grasp the entire process flow - from the entrance into the classroom until the exit - by observing others. There were also guidelines put up near where we were queuing. After presenting my IC, its number and my full name were read out loud by an EC official so that they could be heard by other officials on duty in the room.

With my IC and voting slips in hand, I proceeded to one of the two designated tables to mark my votes. I carefully walked past in front of the first table because someone was already there. A pencil sharpener was prepared on each table for convenience when needed. Once finished, I made my way to the ballot boxes and dropped my slips accordingly. The whole process was smoothly over within 2 minutes. While on my way out I saw familiar faces, one of whom was my schoolmate. We smiled as I walked past the policemen at the entrance. More and more people were coming then, many with their children tagging along.

Anyway, I am glad to have fulfilled one of my biggest responsibilities as a Rakyat on this day. Our votes may not necessarily be significant individually, but they certainly are collectively.

Have a good weekend guys :)

P/s. I heard that it’s best to stay home tonight and tomorrow. Coming from the older folks, I am sure they have a valid concern…

[Update@9th March: Wow… The results are telling, aren’t they? My family and I were following the developments since last night. I’m curious if BN - in particular, our PM - is getting the People’s message. It’s a wake up call, so buck up!]

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