KUALA LUMPUR – Expressing concern about the low voter turnout for the Melaka state election by late afternoon today, Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged voters to come out in droves and support the coalition’s candidates.
In a video released on Facebook at about 4.30pm, the former prime minister made an appeal to all voters in the state, saying that there was still time to show up before the polling centres closed at 5.30pm.
“We have found that the number of voters who have come to vote has not exceeded even 60% (of those eligible to vote). This is a very low rate.
“Because of this, we hope that all the voters who have not come to cast their ballots fulfil their responsibilities.”
The Bersatu president said that a larger turnout would enable the direction and shape of the election to be better ascertained.
He reminded the public of their obligation and responsibility that could still be undertaken in the remaining available period.
“I appeal to all to come out in droves to vote,” he said.
“Do not forget, the most important thing is to give support to all candidates of Perikatan Nasional who are contesting the 28 state assembly seats in Melaka.”
Present with him in the video was PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Both were dressed in PN vests.
PN comprises Bersatu, PAS, and Gerakan, as well as Sabah Star and SAPP in Sabah.
Earlier, speaking to reporters in Kuching, Pakatan Harapan chairman and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also expressed disappointment with the turnout, calling it “very poor”.
He said that normally there would be a turnout of 50% to 60% by 1pm on polling day, but this was not seen today.
“That’s of course very concerning to us,” he said.
He added however that it is difficult to assess why this is so, whether it is due to the pandemic-related standard operating procedures or other factors.
As of 4pm, the official turnout announced by the Election Commission was 61%. – The Vibes, November 20, 2021
