KUALA LUMPUR: Younger Malaysians are now eligible to exercise their democratic right but how many, especially students, will make the trip back to their hometowns to cast their vote?
The 15th General Election (GE15) which is expected to be held next month will for the first time include voters aged 18 following the constitutional amendments in 2019 which saw the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18.
But one of the issues faced by students, especially those outside their home state, would be financial constraints as they need to buy air tickets to return and fulfill their responsibilities as voters.
So are they willing to sacrifice time and money to return to vote?
During the town hall session held in conjunction with the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2022 programme on Oct 15, Premier Datuk Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg mentioned that the state government will look into providing assistance by way of subsidies to Sarawak students studying in Peninsular Malaysia to return to vote in the coming election.
Here, Sarawak students studying in Kuala Lumpur shared their opinions on the matter with New Sarawak Tribune.
Queshro Boniventure Sapree, 19, Bintulu, studying in Universiti Geomatika Malaysia (UGM)
“Of course I am very excited to vote for the first time because this is an opportunity to elect a representative that we want to represent us.
“However, financial and time constraints will definitely make it difficult to go back to vote. Therefore it is hoped that the government can provide other alternatives to allow us to vote such as by allowing postal voting.”
Eunice Johney, 22, Mukah, studying in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
“If there are no restrictions, I would definitely return to vote. But, we are students, our finances are also limited. My area of voting is in Dalat, and this will at require me to take a flight to Mukah and then go to Dalat. This would of course cost a lot.
“But if there is a postal vote or the government can provide assistance, then going back to vote will be reconsidered because it is an opportunity for youth like us to elect a government that can bring more changes, especially for the rural areas.”
Jeffery Ling Li Jie, 20, Sibu, studying in Universiti Malaya (UM)
“I am not sure if I will go back to vote because as we know, the price of flight tickets to Sarawak is very expensive especially for the common people.
“Yes, as a citizen, it is our duty and right to vote. However, the government should find a way to solve this issue, including providing subsidies or other discounts during the voting season or consider postal voting. With this, I believe more Sarawakians who are outside the state will return to vote later.”
Nur Nadirah Kennedy, 22, Limbang, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
“Most likely I will not go back to vote because it costs a lot to go back to Limbang. I need to take the plane from Kuala Lumpur to Miri and then from Miri to Limbang. Flight tickets during the year end period are also quite pricey.
“Therefore, it is hoped that postal voting is allowed as it is easier and does not require large expenses. This is one of the suggestions I hope the government can consider in line with the present time and also to encourage more citizens to fulfill their responsibilities.”
