Sheraton Move Repeat Difficult Ambiga S Impassioned Plea To Voters

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With the anti-hopping legislation binding the legs of potential “political frogs”, Ambiga Sreenevasan assured voters it would be “very difficult” to orchestrate another Sheraton Move, which toppled the Pakatan Harapan federal government in 2020.
The former Bersih chairperson said this in a video, which aims to persuade disillusioned voters and first-time voters to cast their ballots on Nov 19.
Empathising with the disappointment of voters who supported Harapan in the previous polls, Ambiga said she understood their frustration.
“I get it. Especially those who have been through what happened in the past after the last election when the opposition won so handsomely.
“You are wondering whether it is worth it to go out and vote. Well, let me try and persuade you as to why it is absolutely vital to vote in this election.”
Recalling her “mother of all elections” message to the voters before the 2018 polls, Ambiga said: “I know, I know, I said this the last time… that the last election was the most important election we could ever have and I was not wrong. It was the most important election.”
“It changed Malaysia. It showed that when people were interested enough, went out and voted, they could bring change. And of course, after 22 months, Harapan fell and the Sheraton Move happened and that is why you are all fed up. I get it. I understand why you feel that way. I felt that way for a while.”
However, Ambiga, who is also the former Malaysian Bar president, stressed that “change takes time” and “all our problems” cannot be resolved with one election.
“No. It also highlighted the other problems we had and the things we needed to change, the reform we needed to happen.
“It opened our eyes actually, that is what the last election did. So now I am telling you. This election is just as important, if not more important than the last election.
“And it is absolutely crucial that each one of you votes.”
Excitement of obtaining driver’s licence
As for the 18-year-old Malaysians who have been automatically registered as voters, Ambiga equated the election with the excitement of obtaining a driver’s licence.
“How did you feel when you got your driver’s licence? Excited right? Well, I was. That is how you should be feeling as a voter now.
“This is the first time you are going to go out there and make your feelings known as to how you want the country to progress. This is your chance. Don’t give it up.”
To further convince the people to vote in this election, Ambiga recalled the struggles of overseas voters to ensure that their voices were heard in the last national polls.
She also cited the large number of people who trained as volunteers to be polling and counting agents to ensure that the votes were protected.
Ambiga said scores of Malaysians worked around the clock to be certain that “the system worked for the people.”
“This time, it is happening again. All these people are getting together, making an effort to make sure your vote is safe. So if you are not thinking about yourself or your vote, think about them.
“Think about the effort they are putting in to make sure this election works for all of us and to make sure there is a bright future.
“Why do you think ordinary citizens are working so hard to vote? Because it matters. It matters what kind of government we have. It matters not just for you. It matters for your children. It matters for your grandchildren. It matters to your parents.
“So this is my message to you. All we are asking is for you not to be apathetic. Forget the apathy, forget the lethargy, forget this feeling that nothing will change.
“I assure you, every step you take in this election to cast your vote will make a difference and will bring change.” - Mkini

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