JOHOR BARU: Members of the uniformed services have been reminded that their votes in the Johor election are secret and that no one has the right to pressure, threaten or intimidate them over their political choice.
Making the appeal ahead of early voting, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said military personnel and officers from other uniformed agencies should cast their ballots according to their conscience without fear that their careers would be affected by how they voted.
"Your vote is secret. No one can know who you voted for.
"No one has the right to force, pressure, threaten or imply that your career depends on your political choice," he said in a video message.
Dr Wee said members of the uniformed services had sacrificed much in safeguarding the country's security, public order and sovereignty, adding that their rights as voters must also be respected.
He urged them to vote based on their own judgement and confidence in leaders they believed could safeguard Johor, defend the people's interests and bring stability and progress.
"Do not bow to any pressure, whether overt or subtle. Do not fear threats. Do not be intimidated by the illusion of power," he said.
Dr Wee also reminded voters that political power was temporary, but democratic rights should never be compromised.
"In a democracy, governments come and go. Positions are not permanent.
"But dignity, principles and the people's right to choose must never be taken away.
"Carry out your responsibility with courage, calmness and confidence.
"Your vote is secret. Your choice is your right. Johor's future belongs to Bangsa Johor," he said.
Johor will go to the polls on July 11, with early voting set for July 7.
