SIBU: Declaring a public holiday on the eve of the 15th general election (GE15) polling day would facilitate electorates going to the polls and encourage more eligible citizen to exercise their democratic right said Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
Hence, the Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president pointed out that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government could declare November 18 as a state public holiday.
“If you want more voters to turn up, a public holiday would help. That (declaring Nov 18 a public holiday) is up to GPS, who holds the power now.
“Only the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has the power to declare (Nov 18 a public holiday). If I were him, I would do it to let democracy be manifested fully,” he said at a media conference at the PSB Bawang Assan branch on Friday (Nov 11).
Wong who is gunning for the Sibu seat this election also said that Sarawakians working outside of their hometown could drive home to cast their ballots if Nov 18 is made a public holiday.
“A day off on the eve of polling will greatly facilitate voters for the Sibu parliamentary seat, who are presently employed in Kuching or Bintulu, to return to the town to vote – while people who work in (Sibu) town who are from rural areas such as Murum, Belaga or Hulu Rajang can also return there to vote.
“If Nov 18 is not a public holiday, then they may not return. A public holiday would definitely facilitate a higher turnout of voters but I don’t know if the GPS government is in favour of this or not,” he said.
The Bawang Assan assemblyman noted that the GPS government should play a role to ensure Sarawakians can exercise their voting rights.
“Adding a number of employed individuals would be at a disadvantage if no extra day off is declared,” Wong said.
