Vote early before someone else takes your vote, warns Marina

Those who have found themselves registered without their knowledge should come out early during polling day to vote to ensure that others do not vote for them, said social activist Marina Mahathir.

"There are several people who found that they have never registered but found their names on list.

"If that happens, there is a possibility someone else is going to vote in your name.

"So the best thing to do is to get out there as early as possible and vote, so that nobody else can take your name," said Marina in a forum last night.

She was asked by a member of the audience on possible ways to overcome cheating in the general election.

Malaysiakini on Thursday reported how a Kota Damansara resident claimed to have been registered as a voter without her knowledge.

She said she has been studying abroad for the past four years and had intended to register once she returns to the country upon the completion of her studies.

It thus came as a shock for her when her parents checked her voter registration status online and discovered that she had seemingly registered.

Incumbent Klang MP Charles Santiago also highlighted the plight of 10 others who had been registered without their knowledge.

Marina, meanwhile, stressed the importance of a high voter turnout to counter possible cheating.

"When there's a small difference (in terms of results), they try to bring in mysterious votes. It's important for everyone who can vote to go out to vote.

"We should try to persuade our friends and neighbours who are sitting on the fence to do so."

Prominent lawyer and activist Ambiga Sreenevesan also agreed to this.

"We need big numbers. Last time it was 80 plus percent, let's push it to 90 percent."

Some 85 percent of registered voters cast their votes in the last general election. Malaysia will go to the polls on May 9.

Marina and Ambiga were among four panellists that included law lecturer Azmi Sharom and incumbent Sungai Siput lawmaker D Jeyakumar who spoke about what it truly means to be a patriot.

The forum was organised by the Jalur Gemilang movement. -Mkini