Voting is often seen as the cornerstone of democracy, giving ordinary people a say in who governs them and the direction their country takes. But what does it mean to participate in politics beyond casting a ballot every few years? And how much can voting actually change when political parties must navigate coalition politics, competing interests and the realities of governing?

In Malaysia, the 2018 general election showed that votes can bring about historic political change. Yet the years since have also raised questions about the limits of electoral politics, the role of grassroots organising, and whether political parties can offer a compelling vision for the country's future.

In this conversation, we discuss:

Why do we vote, and what gets us interested in politics?

From the Bersih movement and Reformasi to personal experiences with educational inequality, we explore the different experiences that draw people into politics.

How much can voting actually change in a liberal democracy?

The 2018 election showed that voters can bring down a government that has held power for decades. But subsequent political upheavals have also tempered expectations about what a vote can achieve. We discuss whether voting remains a meaningful tool for change, and how we should think about its possibilities and limitations.

Is voting enough, or do we need to organise beyond the ballot box?

From trade unions and grassroots movements to community organisations and political parties, we examine the importance of organising between elections. What can organised groups achieve that individual voters cannot? And what can we learn from PAS's decades of grassroots organising, which helped build a political movement long before the Green Wave became a national talking point?

What actually determines how people vote?

Do voters choose the party that best represents their ideals, the candidate they trust most, or simply the lesser of two evils? We explore the role of political literacy, emotions, fear, charisma and personal relationships in shaping voting decisions.

What makes a good politician: principles or pragmatism?

Should we judge politicians by their ideological convictions and willingness to stand by their principles, or by their ability to negotiate, build coalitions and deliver results? As Malaysia's political landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, we discuss the tension between holding the line on political ideals and making the compromises necessary to govern.

How do political parties build trust and offer a compelling vision?

People may want better healthcare, more affordable housing, walkable cities and protection from flooding without necessarily seeing how these everyday concerns connect to electoral politics.

Can Malaysian politics move beyond identity and moral superiority?

As political competition increasingly revolves around questions of identity and which side is more morally righteous, we consider whether parties should focus more on tangible questions of development, public services and economic wellbeing.

Reading/watching/listening list:

• Don't Think of an Elephant! by George Lakoff [Book]

• Sang Kancil: Sang Kancil: A Tale about How Ordinary Malaysians Defied the Odds [Book]