Empowering Democracy: Poll Workers and Voter Education in Malaysia

The Empowering Democracy: Poll Workers and Voter Education in Malaysia workshop, organised by ALSA BAC in collaboration with Tindak Malaysia, proved to be an eye-opening experience that seamlessly blended theoretical knowledge with practical civic education. Held on 13th September 2025 at the BAC Flagship PJ Campus, this physical workshop brought together a group of students from various academic levels, all eager to better understand Malaysia’s democratic mechanisms.

One of the most impactful aspects of the session was the mock election simulation. For many participants, this was the first opportunity to step into the shoes of poll workers, polling, counting agents (PACAs) and election observers. It offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into ensuring a fair and transparent voting process. The simulation activity, guided by experienced trainers from Tindak Malaysia, including Director Danesh and guest trainer Adrian Ooi transformed abstract electoral roles into concrete, relatable experiences.

Beyond the technical knowledge, the session also served as a stimulus for critical reflection. The Q&A and discussion segments highlighted the real-world complexities of Malaysia’s electoral system, from voter education gaps to potential structural reforms. These conversations helped illuminate the importance of civil society in advocating for electoral integrity, especially as Malaysia navigates a more inclusive voting landscape under Undi18.

A significant takeaway was the sense of empowerment the event fostered. This workshop was an eye opener. Active, informed participation, whether as voters, volunteers or PACAs is possible and a necessary tool as it also reaffirmed the importance of non-partisan spaces for youth engagement, where questions are encouraged and democratic ideals are brought to life. This naturally created an awareness among the attendees that elections are not distant or too complex to influence.

In summary, this workshop was more than just a lesson on elections. It was a timely reminder that democracy is a shared responsibility. With guidance from organisations like Tindak Malaysia and support from platforms like ALSA BAC, the students were equipped not just to vote, but to lead the charge in safeguarding electoral integrity.

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