Got inked for GE15? Businesses shower voters with freebies and discounts

 

GE15 | Businesses are getting into the election fever by offering anything from discounts to free chicken for those who have performed their civic duty during the 15th general election.

All they need to do to claim these offers is to prove that have voted by showing the indelible ink marked on their finger.

Participating businesses include Marrybrown, The Alley, Old Town White Coffee, and many more.

For example, those who have cast their ballots are entitled to one piece of fried chicken for free with any purchase at Marrybrown.

GSC Cinemas is offering a small box of popcorn to those who got inked, regardless of whether they also have a movie ticket. However, its Facebook post warned there are only “limited stocks” available.

Meanwhile, Secret Recipe is offering a 30 percent discount on any drinks, and Bean Jr is offering hot tau fu fah (a bean curd dessert) to voters for free.

All the above offers are only valid on polling day which falls on Nov 19.

There is no mention of how postal voters - whose fingers will not be marked despite having voted - might be able to take advantage of such offers.

The indelible ink was introduced to Malaysia’s electoral process in 2012 as a means to prevent double-voting, upon the recommendation of a bipartisan parliamentary committee and amid pressure from reform groups such as Bersih.

Despite initial problems of its procurement and rollout during the 13th general election on the following year, it remains a part of Malaysia’s political culture and has also become a way for businesses to target potential customers with promotions.

The ink is applied on voters - usually, their left index finger - after their identity has been verified and they have been issued their ballot papers.

If the nails are painted, the ink may be applied on other parts of the voters’ fingers, or it may be applied on the hand or arm if they have no fingers. - Mkini