MIRI – With the 12th Sarawak election just around the corner, Bersih Sarawak is calling on the Election Commission (EC) to immediately set up a system to enable out-of-state Sarawakians to vote.
Bersih Sarawak chairperson Ann Teo told The Vibes that until now and with the state polls being just weeks away, the EC has yet to set up such a system.
The state election must be held within 60 days of the November 3 dissolution of the state legislative assembly.
Teo said Bersih Sarawak is very concerned about this issue as there are hundreds of thousands of Sarawakians working and studying outside the state.
“There must be an avenue for Sarawakians living and working outside Sarawak who want to vote in the 12th state election but cannot make it back.
“For Sarawakians living, working or studying in Peninsular Malaysian states, Sabah and Labuan, they are still required by the EC to fly back to Sarawak in order to vote.
“Bersih Sarawak is trying to get the EC to agree to absentee cum postal voting rights for those who are in other states in Malaysia who cannot make it home to Sarawak to vote.
Due to factors like expensive airfares, work commitments, difficulty getting leave, worries about the ongoing Covid-19 infections and other reasons, many may not be able to return to Sarawak to vote.
“The EC must ensure these Sarawakians are not deprived of their right to vote and set up absentee postal voting or special polling stations in every state so that they can cast their ballots,” she said.
Teo said it is estimated that there are at least 400,000 Sarawakians who are currently residing in the peninsula states, Sabah and Labuan.
She said that so far, the EC has established a system for Sarawakians living in other countries to vote by post.
She called on all Sarawakians overseas to urgently apply online to get their ballot paper.
“Please share with Sarawakian friends and families residing overseas, especially in Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Kalimantan.
“You may now apply to vote by post through an online process.
“The deadline for online applications is November 24,” she said.
Those needing information can go here.
They can also click here to apply for postal and absentee voting in the Sarawak election. – The Vibes, November 15, 2021
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