TO the Election Commission: what does it mean for the outcome of the general election when, for example, Malaysians in Melaka, Johor, and Negri Sembilan go to the polls while those in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang can’t as polling stations are underwater?
Would the polls be free and fair if only citizens in certain parts of the country get to vote?
Nomination day is in less than 48 hours. So we need a response now.
And please don’t tell me this is a hypothetical question because if you actually had a #undibanjir contingency plan, you would have looked at all possibilities. You would also have made the plan public.
We also have other concerns because we haven’t heard a peep from you, although the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast thunderstorms in twelve states on nomination day, which falls on this Saturday.
And what happens if it floods on polling day? How will Malaysians cast their votes if the roads to the polling centres are flooded?
Your mitigation plans are crucial so that people are prepared and can make travel plans in the eventuality of floods, or heavy rains leading to polling day.
More importantly, it could save lives.
We have seen more than ten instances of flooding all over the country in the past month, despite the brunt of the northeast monsoon expected only in November.
How are schools to be used concurrently as polling centres and evacuation centres if it floods on November 19?
Most Malaysians don’t have four-wheel drives to wade through floodwaters, and therefore, how will those with smaller cars and worse, motorbikes manage to make the trip?
Is any of this even feasible?
I have raised these issues before. It’s been one month since my first letter to the EC, but you have not bothered to respond.
My TikTok video on the same issue has over 350,000 views, with a large section of Malaysians echoing the same concerns, but you don’t seem to care.
And we have more questions as to whether polling stations would be closed if it rains more than 100mm.
What happens when main roads adjacent to polling centres are inaccessible?
What does it take for the EC to postpone elections and if many districts simultaneously flooding meets the requirement?
Just too many questions, I know. And so, why the deafening silence? – The Vibes, November 3, 2022
Charles Santiago has been the Klang MP for three terms
