WE, the representatives from civil society organisations and concerned citizens of Malaysia, urge the Election Commission (EC) to implement essential procedural measures that would encourage the participation of overseas and outstation voters in the upcoming Johor polls.
Based on recent state elections, Covid-19 cross border travel limitations combined with delayed deliveries of postal ballots to overseas voters could pose a hindrance to these communities from performing their duties as Malaysians.
For example, it is estimated that there are around 400,000 Malaysians working and residing in Singapore alone. From that figure, approximately 200,000 are eligible voters in this upcoming Johor state election.
Would it be fair for them to be denied their right to vote just because we have not updated our processes and procedures to get in with the times?
Malaysians, no matter where they reside, should not be disenfranchised from exercising this ultimate democratic right.
It is incumbent on the EC to consult with overseas Malaysians and outstation voters to understand the concerns and challenges when it comes to voting, especially in the era of endemic Covid-19.
In the lead up to its meeting today, we the undersigned, hereby call the EC to fulfil our following demands:
Enable voters to return to vote
Work with the federal government to expand Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) allocations for voters to return home to vote. Polling booth operating hours should be extended to accommodate necessary cross-border testing and checks.
Establish overseas polling stations
For those unable to return home, embassies and high commissions in respective countries can be centres where voters drop their postal ballots. Similar arrangements were implemented in the general election of 2018.
Early voting in campus for students
For students who are now on campus and undergoing examinations, a dedicated facility should be set up to facilitate early voting. This will also reduce the need for them to travel back to their hometowns to vote.
Enable postal voting for Johor voters in Sabah and Sarawak
EC at respective states of Sabah and Sarawak shall assist in collecting ballots and ferry them back to Johor. – The Vibes, February 8, 2022
This statement is endorsed by:
Persatuan Pengundi Muda (Undi18)
Research for Social Advancement (Refsa)
Institute for Research & Development of Policy (IRDP)
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas)
Iman Research
Centre for Governance and Political Studies (Cent-GPS)
Gabungan Pilihan Raya Bersih dan Adil (Bersih)
Aliran
Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim)
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram)
Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (Gerak)
Dewan Belia India Malaysia
Arus Anak Muda
Angkatan Demokrat
Youth in Politics (YPolitics)
Pertubuhan Solidaritas
Jaringan Kebajikan Komuniti
Institut Nyala
Engage Network
Pusat Komas
Terabai Kenyalang Heritage Association of Sarawak (TKHAS)
Family Frontiers
Pacos Trust
Advancing Knowledge in Democracy and Law Initiative
All Women’s Action Society (Awam)
Save Malaysia Stop Lynas
Ikram Malaysia
New Student Movement Alliance of Malaysia (Nesa)
Malaysia Youths and Students Evolution Johor branch
Malaysia Youths and Students Evolution Melaka branch
Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower)
KLSCAH Youth
Sisters In Islam
Monsoon Malaysia (MM)
Youtar
Voice of Youtharian
Beyond Borders Malaysia
Tenaganita
G25 Malaysia
Center of Independent Journalism
Badan Perhubungan Negara United Kingdom & Eire (BPN UKE)
Institut Demokrasi & Emansipasi Anak Muda Belia (Idea Belia)
University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany)
Undi Johor represents a group of civil society organisations and concerned citizens of Malaysia
