Malaysians laud EC’s move to allow postal voting

JOHOR BARU: Malaysians working in Singapore have lauded the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to allow those residing in the city-state to vote via postal voting.

Among them was customer service officer P. Thineswara Rao, who said the move would allow those working in Singapore, like him, to carry out their responsibility as a voter despite not being able to return home.

“I would really like to vote in this election. This will be the first time I am voting through the post and I hope that the EC can assist throughout the process, including setting up a helpline to answer our queries,” said the 32-year-old.

He also hoped that the ballot papers will be delivered to the voters in a timely manner.

Drone pilot Lim Ming Hui, 41, said he was looking forward to doing his part as an “Anak Malaysia”.

“I am really excited to have the chance to cast a postal vote.

“This is the first time I am voting while being outside of the country and I hope everything will run smoothly,” said Lim, who was last in Johor in June 2020.

Courier service officer Faizul Azim Rossty, 39, said he wanted to have a say in determining the administration of the state.

“Being able to vote is our right as a citizen and I am glad to still be able to vote despite being away from home.

“There are many issues that are important for us to decide for Johor. This includes choosing a government that can bring more jobs to the state, allowing us to stay in Johor instead of going to Singapore for work,” he said, adding that he hoped that the EC would extend the period for people to register for postal voting.

The EC announced yesterday that Malaysians in four neighbouring countries previously ineligible for postal voting may apply from Feb 9 until Feb 18 to cast their ballots in the Johor state election that will take place on March 12.