Wooing M’sians in Singapore to return and vote

JOHOR BARU: With just a day to go before polling for the twin by-elections, political parties have made louder calls for voters, particularly those working and staying across the Causeway, to take part in the polls.

Pasir Gudang PKR committee member Danny Tan Peng Chye said his team had conducted a campaign programme at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex as part of last-leg efforts to woo voters.

“We have one day left before the big day on Sept 9, so we hope to reach out to as many voters as we can, especially those working in Singapore.

“We hope they will return home to cast their vote, as every single vote counts,” he said when contacted.

Tan said 30 PKR members from his division had been distributing flyers to create awareness on the importance of voting and to remind voters that the by-elections would be held.

“There are those who are not aware that we are in the midst of by-elections campaigning, as they are too focused on their daily lives,” he said.

Johor Bersatu information chief Muhammad Islahuddin Abas said Perikatan Nasional would continue with the current campaign strategy by appealing to the public, especially Chinese voters.

“So far, our campaigns in Pulai and Simpang Jeram have received positive feedback from Malay and Indian voters; our current focus right now is wooing the votes from the Chinese community.

“We hope that our message and campaign will also reach voters who are in Singapore,” he said.

In Kluang, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his ministry had received applications from bus companies for Temporary Vehicle Licence to increase the number of trips for the by-elections.

“We have approved the applications through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) so that bus companies can increase the number of trips during the by-elections.

“To avoid congestion, we advise voters returning from Singapore to use the services provided by the bus companies,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Kluang Municipal Council, Railway Assets Corporation, SIPP-YTL JV and Think City for the construction of the Kluang Heritage Railway Linear Park.

Johor works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the state government had come out with a time advisory for voters to avoid congestion.

“We have also asked the Immigration Department to ensure all counters are open throughout this election period,” he said.