KUCHING: After the Election Commission’s (EC) announcement that polling day is fixed on May 9, at mid-week, there was a lot of hue and outcry from both sides of the political divide.
Chairman of PKR Sarawak, Baru Bian said due to the week-day voting, there is bound to be a low turnout.
He said it is the Election Commission’s duty to facilitate as high a turnout as possible, in the interest of allowing all citizens the opportunity to discharge their responsibilities in electing the leaders of the nation.
However, it is clear that by choosing a working day in the middle of the week for no conceivable good reason, the Election Commission has no such intention in mind. On the contrary, it appears that the objective is to place obstacles in the way of a high turnout.
“A Wednesday polling day will make it extremely difficult for workers to return home to vote, especially Sarawakians and Sabahans working in Semenanjung Malaysia. Travelling home to their villages in the rural areas takes time and many will find it extremely inconvenient to make the long trip home.I hope that all employers will take note of section 25 of the Elections Act which requires that employers allow their workers to take time off to go and cast their votes without penalty.
This is the time for all to take seriously their duties as citizens of this country. It is imperative that we make the solemn decision and resolve to place the destiny of Malaysia above all other considerations of profit and loss. The results of the elections will have the greatest bearing on the economic well-being of every citizen, including business owners.”
Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Michael Tiang said he was very disappointed to hear the news that the polling day falls on a working day for GE14.
“In fact, since the announcement of the date by the Election Commission I have received numerous phone calls and messages from voters in my Sibu constituency who are working in Peninsula Malaysia, intending to come home to support SUPP candidate, but are now thinking of aborting their plans of coming home to cast votes. I predict the turnout for this general election will be low and such decision is not serving the spirit of democracy well,” he added.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chief, Sarawak, Chong Chieng Jen too expressed his dissatisfaction on a mid week polling day.
“We all know that most of those working away from their home towns or the place where they vote are young voters, and that high percentage of young voters are the supporters of Pakatan Harapan. They are the ones victimised by BN who fixed the polling day on a Wednesday. These young voters are deprived of their constitutional rights to vote.”
On another issue, Chong said in the coming general election, DAP will stand in 9 seats, Amanah in 6 seats and PKR 16 seats.
