POLL | Over the past 18 years, Malaysiakini has without fail named a top newsmaker as we bring the curtain down on the year.

A newsmaker is defined as “someone whose actions make news headlines, who effects the course of public discourse and creates an impact in Malaysian politics, for better or worse.”

Malaysiakini has nominated 15 candidates for the Newsmaker of 2018 award.

A total of 3,445 respondents participated in the seven-day poll. They voted by indicating their preference for each of the nominees – 0 being the lowest and 10 the highest.

And here’s their verdict…

Yesterday: Top 10 news of 2018 - Malaysiakini readers' choice

Previous newsmakers

2017 - Mahathir Mohamad

2016 - MO1

2015 - Mahathir Mohamad

2014 - Passengers and crew of MH370 and MH17

2013 - Rosmah Mansor

2012 - Ambiga Sreenevasan

2011 - Bersih supporters

2010 - Ibrahim Ali

2009 - Teoh Beng Hock

2008 - YOU

2007 - VK Lingam

2006 - Mahathir Mohamad

2005 - Joint award - Rafidah Aziz and Mahathir Mohamad

2004 - S Samy Vellu

2003 - Husam Musa

2002 - Zainuddin Maidin

2001 - Rais Yatim