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Monday March 3, 2008

A song for the polls

By SHAMALA VELU

Mari Mengundi is a catchy song that carries an important message for all Malaysians.

There's one way to inspire people to come out and vote and that is to play election-related songs. Mari Mengundi, which was composed way back in 1959, is still a popular choice on Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) radio stations.

Although some changes have been made to the lyrics to accommodate the present elections, the tune brings back memories for many who listen to it.

RTM musical director Datuk Mokhzani Ismail updated the lyrics of Marilah Mengundi for the 12th general election.
It goes like this: Undilah tuan dan puan, Bulan Mac lapan haribulan, Pilihanraya di Malaysia, Pergilah undilah bersama-sama. Although the tune is not dramatically catchy or melodic, the song does impart an important message: “Vote ladies and gentleman on March 8. Let us vote together.”

Mari Mengundi has been used since the 1960s and was penned by the late Datuk Zainal Alam. Zainal and Nona Asiah sang the original version. The song was also played on radio during the general election in 1999.

For the 12th general election, RTM’s music director Datuk Mokhzani Ismail had to modify Mari Mengundi and Mohd Rauzan Alwi (better known as Roy) sang the song. It was recorded about three weeks ago.

The changes made to the lyrics are the date, Bulan Mac Lapan haribulan and Hari undi di Malaysia (the original version was Hari undi di Persekuatuan).

The song, which has a somewhat slow marching beat, does promote unity and is an influential tool in inculcating patriotism among Malaysians, said Mokhzani.

He said one way to shape the way people think is to use patriotic songs. “What’s more, music is the best way to reach out to the masses. Songs that bring about a feeling of belonging and loyalty become popular classics, as in the case of Mari Mengundi. People will remember the lyrics. It taps into the heart of patriotism.”

Instead of lecturing people on how and what to do on voting day, Mari Mengundi gently persuades them to check their voting status, be clear on how, and for whom they want to vote.

A new song which can be heard over the airwaves is Mengundi Pilihan Raya. It is also performed by Roy and would appeal to the younger generation as it has an upbeat tune. Lyricists Ahmad Ali and Rosli Derani put together the song for the elections.

Besides this tune, there have not been many of such songs.

“One reason is because it’s almost impossible to put together a song in a short span of time. Anyway, it’s the lyrics that are important. Undi songs talk about everyone’s responsibility to vote wisely and that’s the important thing. The old songs are just as good,” he quipped.

He was quick to point out that there is no official Undi song.

“All the songs that are produced are campaign songs for the elections,” he said “There is no official election song as yet.”

He pointed out that in 1978, Daud Hamzah produced another voting song, which was sung by the Surya Booty Boys. Later, there were other campaign songs produced by Datuk Johari Salleh and Datuk Ahmad Dassilah. Mokhzani himself produced one in 1999 with Liza Aziz on vocals.

So, will the public be hearing more Undi songs as a run-up to the elections on March 8?

“There will be songs over the airwaves, and hopefully, it will inspire people to do their duty”.

RTM is airing Catch Yang Sebenarnya, a programme on election news and analysis of election issues at 7.30pm daily and Sana Sini Pilihan Raya, a 15-minute programme showcasing election activities at midnight daily. Astro Awani (Astro Channel 501) airs Undi 2008 Analisis Pilihan Raya at 7.30am, 5.30pm and 9.30pm daily. AEC (Astro Channel 301) airs live daily reports on the elections at 11pm.

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