GE15: The power the people has over "untouchable" politicians

SHAH ALAM - Contrary to a prevailing morose belief, Malaysians do hold the power to elect the right people to govern the country and that it is their duty to do so in the coming 15th General Election (GE15).

Karangkraf Media Group chairman Datuk Dr Hussamuddin Yaacub reminds the people that they do have the upper hands against politicians who are often portrayed as untouchable individuals in the grand scheme of things.

Hussamuddin who spearhead the anti-corruption movement, Rasuah Busters, stressed that the coming election is a chance for Malaysians who have been unsatisfied with the government to turn the tides so that politicians can be kept on their toes.

The time, he added, has come for the people to use their power as voters to ensure that only the right people are chosen as the leaders.

“We criticise a lot of things about the government and now that the Parliament has been dissolved, and GE15 is around the corner, this is the time where the people should take responsibility because all these while, we felt like we have no power.

“But actually we do have the power. We are eligible to vote, we can decide who we want to allow to sit in Parliament; to govern the country and decide the direction the country is moving,” he said during the ‘Kompas: GE15 Special Edition’ show by Sinar Harian on Tuesday.

In further highlighting the power of the masses, Hussamuddin pointed out how it was the demand of the many that brought about improvements for the country, such as the Anti-Hopping and Undi18 bills which has been succesfully implemented.

"This shows how the people are the 'Boskau' (the people's leader), as they have power over the politicians.

"It is obvious how the politicians are now doing their all by giving promises and manifestos as they tried to woo the people for GE15," said Hussamuddin.

He also advised Malaysians that they should choose the best people to be the leaders, especially as the 222 parliamentarians hold the most power in the governance because they will be involved in policy-making matters that ultimately dictates the nation's future.

But who should Malaysians vote in GE15?

“Firstly, choose those with good manners like honesty, integrity, not tainted with corruption cases or scandals, those who are clean and really want to defend the rights of the people.

“Also the most important thing is people who are smart since they can plan ahead, and not backwards. They must be someone who can solve our problems in the next 20 or 30 years.

“If the political parties can bring forward candidates with these criterias then we will have two chances; a chance for the country to transform or a chance for the political party themselves to change,” he added.