THE Election Commission (EC) has not made a decision on whether Sabahans residing outside the state—particularly in Peninsular Malaysia—will be permitted to cast postal ballots in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election (PRN17).
EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun (pic) said that, for now, eligible voters living outside Sabah will need to return home to vote on polling day, 29 November.
“At present, no decision has been made by the EC on this matter, so voters from Sabah who are not in the state will have to return to cast their vote,” he said during a press conference announcing key election dates at the Sabah Federal Government Administrative Centre auditorium yesterday.
His comments come amid growing calls for the EC to extend postal voting to Sabahans based in the Peninsula, with concerns raised over the high cost of flights and logistical hurdles faced by those wishing to return home to vote.
The nomination date for PRN17 has been set for 15 November, with early voting scheduled for 25 November.
Earlier, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Madius Tangau joined a chorus of voices urging the EC to consider postal voting for Sabahans working, studying or residing in the Peninsula.
“This is not a new request. It has been raised repeatedly by various quarters, including civil society organisations such as BERSIH,” he said.
“I believe it is a sensible step to ensure that Sabahans outside the state are not prevented from exercising their democratic right and responsibility. Many face difficulties securing flights, affording high fares, getting leave or managing time off during elections.”
Kota Belud MP Isnaraisah Munirah Majilis, who sits on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform, said she had already raised the matter with the EC and proposed two measures to support Sabah voters in the Peninsula.
“First, I urge the Federal Government to grant unrecorded leave for Sabahans in Peninsular Malaysia a day before polling so they can return to vote. Second, I call on the Ministry of Transport to regulate and lower airfares between the Peninsula and Sabah to a more reasonable and affordable level,” she said.
Currently, postal voting is limited to three categories: Category 1A (election workers, EC officials, police, military personnel and media), Category 1B (Malaysians residing overseas), and Category 1C (members of designated agencies or organisations).
The postal voting application window for Category 1A runs from 13 October to 12 November, while applications for Categories 1B and 1C close on 21 October. - October 17, 2025
