M’sians in US keep watchful eye on crucial polls
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians residing in the United States which is facing a crucial Nov 5 presidential election are anxious about the possibility of political turbulence following the results.
However, they are still hoping for the best.
Currently residing in Missouri, which is a Republican state, is Sathya Baanu Jeevanba, 33, who has witnessed migrants from Haiti and Mexico being targeted.
The psychologist expressed worry that such recurring actions would affect the growing division among those living in the United States.
“It does anger me to see such vile rumours and accusations being made in these immigrant communities.
“For the most part, I haven’t had any direct negative experiences or been impacted by this anti-immigrant rhetoric,” she said when contacted.
On Nov 5, Americans will vote for its next president between Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, the current vice-president, and former President Donald Trump from the Republican party. Currently, Harris is leading the polls with a 3% majority as of press time.
On Sept 30, US political newspaper The Hill reported that lawmakers from both sides are bracing for a messy aftermath, with polls showing the race so close in battleground states that it could take days to determine the winner.
“I follow the news but can’t say I do it very closely. I find that it’s very polarised,” said Sathya who lives in a Democratic-leaning area.
She added that here is only one candidate worth voting for.
Another Malaysian living in a Republican state is Eve Tan, who recently moved to Indianapolis, Indiana.
So far, Tan has yet to witness any protests or gatherings during the campaign period.
“The city I am residing in has a small population, with only a handful of Malaysians and it has been very peaceful here,” said the content producer in her 20s.
Civil engineer Bhauvesh Jaya has witnessed the time when Trump won in 2016 and then lost in 2020 in his second bid.
As an Oregon resident, he describes his experience as generally peaceful, noting that party workers are actively canvassing for votes.
“Oregon seems like a pretty blue state, and people here are generally excited about Kamala Harris as the Democrat candidate.
“I haven’t had any negative experiences.
“Overall, people seem more energised about the election, especially now that President Biden is no longer the candidate,” he shared.
The 28-year-old also said that the Malaysian embassy has yet to issue any advisory about potential protests following the election.
“Oregon is near Washington state, which is more Democratic, so the protests weren’t too wild when he lost back then,” he added.
Referring to the Capitol protest in US capital, Washington DC, Toby Tan, a 28-year-old engineer living in the United States for nine years, said he is most likely to be safe as San Francisco is largely a Democratic-leaning city.
“If the Malaysian embassy were to issue anything, I would be informed as I have registered with them.
“But so far that has been nothing yet, unless I missed the information on social media.
“I don’t think there will be any issues here if Harris wins.
“On the other hand, if Trump wins, I don’t think anything will happen in my area,” the California resident said.
