KUCHING: The Sarawak Premier’s Office has declared Nov 18 a public holiday, as is Nov 19, for Sarawakians to exercise their democratic rights in the 15th general election (GE15).
“This is following the federal government’s announcement on Monday (Nov 14), to the same effect to allow voters to return to their respective polling stations to vote,” according to a statement on Tuesday (Nov 15).
Earlier, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a function in Tanjung Manis announced Nov 18 as a public holiday.
He said the decision was made to make it easier for people to fulfil their responsibilities as voters on Nov 19.
“After I spoke with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in Selangau on Monday, the Prime Minister announced a special public holiday on Nov 18 so that voters get the opportunity to go home and vote.
“After voting, they (voters) will return to work on Sunday. So I said if this is the decision, then Sarawak will also announce a public holiday on Nov 18, only Nov 18,” he told a press conference.
On Nov 14, Ismail Sabri had declared Nov 18 and 19 as public holidays. He said Nov 19 was also declared a public holiday as there may be some companies from the private sector, especially factories, operating on that day, making it difficult for their employees to cast their votes.
