With the dissolution of Parliament yesterday, Malaysians are set to go to the polls once again. As we head towards our 12th general election, what do people around the country have to say about the voting process and where their votes will go?

I do not know who the candidates will be in my area yet, but I have always voted for Barisan Nasional in every election because it is the Government. I look at the Barisan logo, not the candidate.
– Melanau tiger prawn farmer Gerald Andrew Mowe, 48, Dalat, Sarawak

I know the price of goods will continue to increase. The only thing that will fall is the rain and I will still vote for Barisan Nasional, irrespective of who the candidate is.
– Retired soldier Aravi Idris, 63, Taiping

I am casting my vote for the first time and will vote for Barisan. All the people in my family are active in politics. Barisan has done well for us and I have gained so much from its administration in areas such as my education.
– Businessman M. Suresh, 24, Kuantan

I want PAS to retain Kelantan so it can carry on with its work of the past 18 years. PAS' conviction that Islam is the salvation for all is a huge incentive for Kelantanese. Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is the ideal leader whom the Kelantanese feel they can trust. He has brought peace to the state.
– Businessman Saifuddin Ibrahim, 32, Kota Baru

I have been a Barisan Nasional supporter since day one and so are all my children. In a multi-racial society like ours, we need a Government that represents everyone. It is very easy to make promises, but to deliver, that's another thing altogether. Barisan has a proven track record - just look at the country's development and the infrastructure that we have. Five of my kids all went to university on government scholarships so I am very happy.
– Retired civil servant Roseli Raslan, 61, Penang

I am a Barisan supporter. The fact that we have a general election in itself is proof of Malaysia’s democracy. Malaysians, knowing this, should come out to vote. After all, this is where we have a say in the representatives and leaders that will run the country.
– Business manager Chong Aik Boon, 38, Ipoh

The present Government should be given the mandate to continue to rule the country because it still has a lot to accomplish and many programmes to implement for the betterment of the people. It can continue to ensure that our daily needs are taken care of. I want peace and harmony to prevail so that my family can enjoy living safely and comfortably and my business can continue to flourish.
– Food stall operator Hassan Ali, 42, Kuantan

I have voted from the first general election to the 11th general election. I am very excited waiting for the coming general election and will not miss it. Even if I am sick I will be there. I must vote. It is my responsibility as a rakyat. I always vote for the Government. It is my way of expressing my gratitude.
– Senior citizen Minah Taib, 75, Pokok Sena, Kedah

Gone are the days when kampung people are like buffaloes dragged by the nose to vote for a party. I have voted many times before but I don't think my children will simply vote for any party or candidate whom I like. Even in my kampung, the younger people don't believe what politicians say. People keep silent as to whom they are going to vote for.
– Bajau fisherman Jaafar Musa, 70, Tuaran, Sabah

As a first-time voter, I’m interested to see what the other parties can do to make a difference. We are programmed to believe the Opposition is wrong for us. We perceive the longdominant Barisan to be stable, but the only way to find out if we could have a better future is to take a chance. At the same time, we do not have enough information about an alternative front to know what it can offer us.
– Planning and database executive Jamie Tan, 24, Klang

This will be my second time casting my vote. Elections are important in choosing a government. This is how we can express our views. If victory is by a slim margin, the Government must look into it because it is an indication that the people are not happy.
– Private medical practitioner Dr Sunita Nair, 36, Kuantan

My vote will go to the politicians who show that they care for the people, and I will support the Government. I am satisfied with the present politicians whom I have come into contact with. These politicians extended their help when I had some problems in the past and I am grateful for that.
– Senior citizen Hue Ah Yin, 70, Johor Baru

Even though this will be the first time I cast my vote, I am confident that I will make the right choice. My father is a strong Barisan Nasional supporter and it was he who pushed me to register as a voter last year. But I will weigh what the candidates have to offer by reading the newspapers and attending political ceramah first before making up my mind.
– Insurance agent Seow Kok Mun, 23, Serdang

I cannot wait to exercise my rights as a voter. I feel empowered now, as I will have a say in who should represent us in the Dewan Rakyat as well as the State Assembly. I registered late last year and I am so proud to see my name on the electoral roll.
– Cashier Fara Wahida Zainal Abidin, 24, Alor Star

In the first two general elections, I was a postal voter as I was still serving in the army. After retiring, I have remained a voter and have pushed all four of my children and the spouses of the married two to register as well, as it is an essential right of every Malaysian to decide on the leaders who will represent them and the nation. I will continue to support Barisan Nasional.
– Mejar (Rtd) Wong Lin Kong, 65, Klang

As Malaysians, it is our duty to vote. I have voted about five times now and have made sure that all my children registered the moment they were of voting age. To me, it is important to vote because I am afraid the stability of the country will be affected if we do not choose the right politicians to form the Government. I am happy with the way things are today and I want things to remain the same.
– Retired civil servant Jaapar Othman, 57, Lenggong, Perak

I am voting for the first time, and I support the Barisan as it has brought massive development to Kuala Terengganu, which has attained city status. I am happy with the current government and don't want to make any changes. Some of my friends say there should checks and balances by not giving Barisan too much power but for me the state government has been effective. Why ask for more?
– Housewife Maizatul Hafizah, 28, Chendering, Terengganu

I have yet to decide whether to vote for the Opposition or Barisan Nasional. I want to look at the candidates fielded and their track records first. It is important to consider the party as well as what the individual candidate has to offer.
– IT consultant Tan Su Yin, 30, Penang

I am quite shy to admit it, but this is the first time I am voting. I am quite excited and will have to think very, very carefully on which party can look after the welfare of ordinary people like me. I will probably only decide on whom to vote for when I am inside the cubicle with a pencil in my hand.
–K. Shanthi, 44, Penang

I want to give the Opposition another chance to rule Terengganu. I am not a staunch PAS supporter, but this time I guess there should be a change in the state government so that leaders would not be complacent. Changing the government through elections is healthy for the state.
– Draughtsman Saiful Barin Abd Ghani, 32, Manir, Terengganu

I am still undecided as both Barisan Nasional and PAS are almost of equal strength in Kelantan. I will make up my mind in the runup to polling day. Both sides appeal to me but I want a political party with a proven ability to offer both spiritual and physical development.
– Ex-policeman Mat Noor Daud, 63, Kota Baru

It is not that I am against the Government, but I do not agree with several policies implemented. To me the Opposition is really concerned about the people’s welfare and sincere in wanting to bring about change. I will vote for PAS.
– Delivery man Md Rashid Othman, 55, Sungai Petani

It will be my first time to cast a vote and I am all excited but nervous as well. My father is progovernment while my grandfather is a staunch supporter of an opposition party. However, my choice for a leader is easy – someone who can bring and manage progress, with the experience of handling the country.
– Computer technician Nor Hasrul Affendy Hashim, 22, Kuantan

In every country, we need a strong opposition to keep the government in check. In Malaysia, the DAP is the voice of the people on corruption and money-laundering. I have been a hardcore DAP supporter for the past 30 years, so it will be no different this election.
– Restaurant owner K. Jayamohan, 60, Penang