Why are civil society groups urging Johor and Negri Sembilan voters to act?

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Civil Society Groups Urge Voters to Participate in Johor and Negri Sembilan State Elections to Uphold Reform Agenda

A coalition of civil society groups is strongly encouraging voters in Johor and Negri Sembilan to participate in the upcoming state elections, warning that abstaining from voting risks undermining the ongoing efforts to reform Malaysia's institutions. These groups highlight that the elections on July 11 in Johor and August 1 in Negri Sembilan represent a critical juncture for assessing public confidence in the nation's democratic reforms. They acknowledge widespread voter frustration stemming from the slow pace or stagnation of institutional changes and a general sense of political fatigue.
Emphasis on Continuous Reform and Consequences of Apathy

The participating organisations, including KLSCAH, Bersih, Dong Zong, IKRAM, and ABIM, stress that institutional reform is an incremental process requiring sustained commitment rather than immediate results. They argue that choosing not to vote at this juncture not only relinquishes citizens' power to shape the country's trajectory but also opens the door for narrow, divisive racial and religious politics to regain dominance. To counter this, a campaign titled "Reject Political Apathy, Continue the Reform Agenda Through Voting" has been initiated to galvanise voter turnout.
Call for Focus on Policy Over Divisive Tactics

The coalition has explicitly condemned electoral tactics that exploit racial or religious sentiments, resort to personal attacks, or spread hatred. Instead, they are urging political parties and candidates to prioritise substantive policy discussions, focusing on good governance, economic development, equitable resource distribution, and accountable state administration. They advocate for supporting candidates who demonstrate a commitment to democracy, pluralism, moderation, openness, secularism, progress, fiscal responsibility, and robust governance.
Encouragement for Broader Participation and Youth Engagement

With the joint declaration receiving support from 134 Chinese associations nationwide, the groups are actively fostering cross-community cooperation to build understanding and encourage greater participation. They view these state elections as having significant implications for the subsequent general election. Special emphasis is placed on motivating the younger generation to vote, seeing their participation as vital for sustaining economic growth and advancing the vision of "reformasi." They also urge voters living outside their home states to return and cast their ballots, underscoring the importance of their voices in ensuring their concerns are addressed by elected officials.

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Why are civil society groups urging Johor and Negri Sembilan voters to act?

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