A number of people replied to my last column ; many in support of what I wrote and one in particular registering a protest that I generalised too much from my own experience in my own constituency.

He is a state assemblyperson and felt that he has been a very responsible and credible one, and that my generalisation may hurt him too. I apologise, but I was only talking to my state and parliamentary representatives.

I\’ve therefore decided to write another piece on how an average voter should decide how to vote, as a guide for all.

The Citizen\’s Think Tank uses six criteria to identify and rate elected representatives – personal integrity; performance in elected or appointed office; ability to resolve problems; public visibility; knowledge of economic issues; and diligence.

The first and most important criterion to me is personal integrity. It means that those elected do what they say that they will do. If they promise to look into a problem you have raised, they will have to get it done and get back to you to confirm that they have done so. As is said in Malay, they should kotakan apa yang dikatakan, and equally avoid the negative cakap tak serupa bikin . This must become the benchmark; too much in politics is about talk and no action.

Meet your elected representatives to discuss issues you are concerned about. Ask for their views and position and how they will vote on these matters. Ask how they would resolve conflicts of interest should their party adopt a different stance from that of constituents over any issue.

For example, if all the residents in your area are against an increase in toll-rate, but the party supports it, where would the constituency representative stand on this? Over time, you will find out whether you can trust the person or not Once you decide you can trust the person, it means that you can rely on their integrity and credibility. Then, please vote for them.

Aspects to check

Second is the performance of the elected represented in posts at federal, state or local government level. In holding public office, they are also responsible to their constituents. Are they multi-ethnic and Malaysian in outlook or do they only champion the causes of their ethnic group? If it is the latter, then do not vote for them because there is really no room any more for a purely racial outlook in administration.

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All elected representatives should behave like Malaysians. If they do anything overtly racial even within their own groups, like waving the keris at the Umno general assembly, all Malaysians should make it clear that they do not support such antics after 50 years of Merdeka. Racial chauvinists should be voted out.

Keep track of their contributions in Parliament or the Senate or local council meetings to monitor what they support or not. Do they represent you or some other interests? If you voted for them, it means they promised to represent you. So, if they do not, please let hem know your displeasure and speak against them and even vote them out.

Third is their ability to resolve problems that constituents face. One of the jobs of a wakil rakyat is to take up your needs with those in positions of authority and to make your case clearly and effectively. Before an election, therefore, ask what they have done to improve the constituency. For example, if the local authority is perpetually handing out summonses in the wrong areas and overlooking others and you have complained about this, what was the outcome?Or if you have complained about a clogged drain or dumping of rubbish, has this been resolved?

Has your elected representative set up an office to receive complaints? This is a basic requirement. If there is no office or if it never operational, please do not vote for people who are not serious about resolving your problems or even meeting you.

Fourth, is the elected representative accessible or can they be contacted on their hand-phone? Do they answer calls? Can you make an appointment to see them? Do you see them, meaning are they personally visible in the constituency and do they take a hands-on approach in activities, or are they present as mere VIPs? Are their activities highlighted in the media?

Do they feel comfortable attending events as an ordinary citizen? There needs to be a measure of humility in elected representatives, in spite of the respect accorded to them. They must not forget that this is so only because you gave them your vote. It is important that they never forget that they are \’servants\’ of the people and not otherwise.

Knowledge and diligence

Fifth, does the elected representative understand real economics and related issues, and what makes the economy move? Do they understand factors of growth and development? Do they appreciate that the government cannot spend without revenue and that sources of revenue are just as important as the basis of expenditure? Do they support crony capitalism? This is where business done entirely on the basis of who you know rather than what you know; and where contracts are given to party members or connected individuals who have neither the experience not the credibility to undertake the job. Some are not even licensed to carry out a particular job.

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Does your elected representative speak against such destructive and bad economics? If the person has links to Big Business, has this been publicly declared? Do they always speak in support of Big Business regardless of the issues involved? Are they for sustainable development through protection of the environment? Do they understand the concept of corporate social responsibility?

Sixth, is the question of diligence, which is not difficult to measure. There is a well known real story of a MP who always carried a typewriter wherever he went. Whenever a problem was brought to his attention, he would type a letter on the spot to those responsible for solving the matter. The complainant would sign the letter and the MP counter-signed it, and the matter would be on its way to being resolved. Is your elected representative just as hardworking? If they are, you will hear them and see them, and hear others talking about them as well.

I had a positive experience with a MP recently. I had complained about a matter at a public meeting. A week later, I received a phone call from the MP\’s service centre, asking for more details. They promised to look into the matter and to get back to me. That is another example of a hardworking MP with equally efficient staff.

At the end of the day, the government is as good as the people who vote in its officials. If you vote for a lousy government, be prepared to endure it for the next five years and do not blame anyone but yourself.

You have a choice; you can make a difference; and you can make your vote count when the next

election is called. But are you even registered to vote? If not, do so immediately – you can register at the nearest post office.

If you are registered, verify your personal details on the Election Commission website by entering your Mykad number. This will also tell if you are registered as a \’phantom voter\’ – it means serious trouble because someone will be voting in your name.

Vote wisely, for you deserve the government you elect. God Bless Malaysia.