GE15: Not unusual for postal votes being cast early to meet deadline, says Wan Junaidi

PETALING JAYA: It is up to registered postal voters in the Armed Forces to cast their ballots in time for the Election Commission's (EC) returning officers to receive them before 5pm on Saturday (Nov 19), says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jafaar (pic).

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) said postal ballot papers for individuals and Armed Forces personnel were issued last Monday (Nov 7) as part of the normal electoral process.

ALSO READ: Postal voting for military began on Nov 7, says defence chief

"As such, no such issue (of premature postal voting) arises and this is the normal process for all general elections, be it a by-election or a general election.

"It is up to the registered individual who has received the postal ballot paper.

"What is important is that the postal ballot must reach the relevant office of the returning officer before 5pm on polling day," he said in a statement on Monday (Nov 14).

He pointed out that candidates' agents had been informed about this.

ALSO READ: GE15: Anwar says he will give evidence of alleged vote-buying in Bera to EC

He was refuting claims by Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday (Nov 11) that military personnel and postal voters in Bera had already cast their votes for the 15th General Election (GE15).

Anwar also alleged that those involved were paid RM300 each.

Caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is defending Bera in GE15.

ALSO READ: GE15: Show proof to MACC that Bera soldiers received bribes to vote, says Hishammuddin

On Sunday (Nov 13), Defence Forces Chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang said Nov 15 is early voting day for Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and their spouses as per Election Regulations.

This involves some 146,737 voters who will be casting their ballots at 153 Armed Forces polling centres nationwide.

The EC has since called on those with information on alleged vote buying to come forward.