KUALA LUMPUR – Reform movement Aliran has urged the Election Commission (EC) to allow all Sarawakians residing outside the state to cast their ballots in the upcoming state election on December 18.
Aliran honorary secretary Azmil Tayeb said the group had issued the call to EC after reaching a unanimous resolution on the matter during its 45th annual general meeting yesterday.
He said the meeting called upon the EC to extend postal voting to all Sarawakians working or domiciled outside Sarawak so that no voter is denied or deprived of the right to vote on economic grounds.
There are an estimated 250,000 Sarawakians residing in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
Azmil said the current travel fare to and from Sarawak is prohibitive due to the festive season and holidays.
“The Election Commission has a duty to facilitate the voting process so that no one is disenfranchised,” he said in a statement.
“In this pandemic situation, postal balloting would also be a more sensible and viable alternative.”
He said as the EC has an office in every state, the offices outside Sarawak can be used as polling stations to allow Sarawakians to cast their ballots.
At the meeting, Azmil said Aliran’s meeting saw its highest turnout in recent years.
“The problem of corruption and lack of inclusiveness was featured prominently in discussions among members. Other serious concerns highlighted included the stoking of ethno-religious sentiments, mounting government debt, rising poverty levels, and political defections (party hopping),” he said.
“Confidence in the country’s future appears to be waning and many parents whose children are studying abroad are telling them not to return after their studies.”
He added that groups such as Aliran can play an important role in reigniting hope and spurring renewal and reforms.
“We have a critical role to play in promoting a more inclusive, democratic and sustainable future by raising public awareness and consciousness.”
During the meeting, Aliran members re-elected Anil Netto as president, Azmil Tayeb as honorary secretary, Prema Devaraj as honorary assistant secretary, and Henry Loh as honorary treasurer. – The Vibes, November 28, 2021
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