KOTA KINABALU: The Election Commission (EC) should allow postal voting for Sabahans who work, study and reside in Peninsular Malaysia, says Upko's Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Madius said this call has been made numerous times previously by various quarters, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Bersih.
ALSO READ: Sabah PKR chief urges for postal voting system for those not in the state
"For me, this should be implemented to ensure that Sabahans living outside their home state are not prevented from exercising their democratic rights and responsibilities.
"Many Sabahans in the peninsula face difficulties returning home to vote because of limited flight availability, high airfares, challenges in obtaining leave, and time constraints.
"Postal voting would help them fulfil their duty to the nation without bearing excessive costs," he said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 9), in support of a similar call by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung.
Madius said expanding access to postal voting was a step towards strengthening democratic practice and public participation in the electoral process.
"We must ensure that the right to vote is accessible to all citizens, regardless of where they are located.
"A transparent and secure postal voting system would enable more Sabahans to participate in the democratic process," he said.
ALSO READ: Bangkuai backs postal voting for Sabahans outside the state
According to Madius, the proposal aligns with the principles of fairness and inclusivity that underpin Malaysia’s electoral system, and should be given due consideration by the government and the EC.
It was reported earlier that Lee had urged the EC to allow Sabahans in Peninsular Malaysia to vote by post for the coming state election, to ensure that their democratic rights are not denied over distance and cost constraints.
Madius also urged the EC and the state government to review the legal requirements and implementation mechanisms for postal voting, including introducing early voting systems and information channels for Sabah voters living outside the state.
