KUCHING: The polling day for the 15th General Election (GE15) which has been set for Nov 19, is a good pick as it falls on a Saturday.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sarawak (Acccis) secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai said it is better for the voting day to be on Saturday rather than any weekday as to allow more eligible Malaysians to vote.
On Saturday, he said, all the government departments and most offices of the private sector will be closed. Besides, it is also a non-school day.
He opined that Sarawakians working in West Malaysia or Singapore might also come back to vote.
“For businesses like retail and coffee shops, which open for business every day and any day chosen as polling day will be inconvenient and disruptive for such businesses,” he said.
“But in any case, the employers should allow their employees to cast their vote during the polling day,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
“Overall, I think the polling date and 14-day campaign period is a good pick having considered the imminent rainy and monsoon season and the minimum campaign period prescribed under the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Bank Employees’ Union (SBEU) Chief Executive Officer Andrew Lo has urged all employers to allow leave or time off for their employees to cast their votes, including those who need to return to their respective village earlier – before the voting day.
“Voters must decide wisely in GE15 and look beyond petty issues.
As for political parties, they must come out with concrete plans for the long term future of our country for the sake of our children. Instead of fighting for power and positions and self-interests,” he stressed.
Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh has announced that nomination day will be Nov 5, early voting will take place Nov 15 while polling day is set on Nov 19.
Election candidates will have 14 days to campaign.
