KUCHING: It is a good idea for Malaysians to be able to cast their votes no matter where they live in the country.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was earlier quoted as saying that the Election Commission (EC) is currently studying ways for Sarawakians and Sabahans residing in the peninsula, as well as West Malaysians living in the Borneon states, to do so.
New Sarawak Tribune went for a sampling to get the public’s thoughts and opinions on the issue.
Mohd Sharizam Hamzah, Lecturer
I welcome the suggestion as this method will increase the number of voters, especially among Sabahans and Sarawakians, plus it will save time and flight cost. And it also shows that the government is concerned and open on the voting issue especially among youths.
Ruth Rabiam, Key Account Manager
I think I prefer to go back to my hometown to cast my vote, although I am open to the idea. I guess online voting? We have never done this before and trials need to be arranged before the actual day.
Frankie Albert Antau, Statistician
It is a good idea to let Sabahans and Sarawakians cast their ballots where they are. This way can make sure they can easily vote regardless where they are working or studying. At the same time, we should look deeply into ballot paper security to make sure of the integrity of the results.
Norfaizatul Aniz Nordin, Housewife
In my opinion, it’s appropriate because it saves time for some of us who have to travel back to our hometown just to cast our vote, and to me it’s unnecessary, with the state of our economy that hasn’t fully recovered. And that is why I agree, should this be implemented in the future.
