The late Dato’ Zainal Alam composed two immortal theme songs for Jabatan Penerangan for the elections: “Mari Mengundi” and “Undilah Kita Semua” back in the 1950s (some say 1959, some say 1955).

Up until now, 50 years later, they are still popular, especially on RTM radio stations. Some changes have been made to the lyrics, but I still prefer the original versions.

If they were indeed written before 1957, then surely they have been heard in ALL of Malaysia’s elections, including of course the very first General Election in Malaya.

At least one of them has has been translated into several languages other than the national language.

These two songs are perfect examples of “song power”, they can stir something deep within the voting population to make the journey.

I am sure everybody knows “Mari Mengundi”, sung by (now Tuan Haji) Jamaluddin Alias (need confirmation on this though), my pick as the greatest election song of them all:

[audio:Jamaluddin Alias - Mari Mengundi.mp3]

Lyrics:

[refrain]
Marilah mari pergi mengundi
Jangan lupa kewajipan pada negara
Marilah mari pergi mengundi
Jangan lupa kewajipan pada negara

[verse 1]
Hari undi akan tiba, kekalkan demokrasi
Gunakan hak kita semua yang asasi
Fikir terlebih dulu, dengan akal bistari
Sebelum membuang undi yang dihargai

[repeat refrain]

[verse 2]
Jangan lupa Kad Pengenalan, serta nombor daftar undi
Masa tidak kerugian membuang undi
Bila memangkah kertas undi, harus kita berhati-hati
Kalau salah tak berganti, sesal sendiri

[repeat refrain twice]

Then the other one is “Undilah Kita Semua”, also sung by Jamaluddin Alias

[audio:Jamaluddin Alias - Undilah Kita Semua.mp3]

Lyrics:

[refrain]
Undi lah kita semua, menentukan masa hadapan
Undi lah kita semua, ‘tuk mencapaikan kejayaan

[repeat refrain]

With that, I’d like to wish everybody: Happy Voting!

Ref:
The Star, 3rd March 2008

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