Bersih calls for early voting for electorate outside Sabah
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) chairperson, Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, said statistics showed that over 200,000 people from Sabah resided outside their home state.
Citing a survey conducted at Universiti Sains Malaysia, he said that only 20 out of over 1,000 students from Sabah and Sarawak responded that they returned home to vote.
"With limited flights and expensive airfares, not only students, but also working adults find it difficult to afford the airfare or make the necessary arrangements to return to vote.
"Based on the past Sabah state election, the voter turnout was around 56 per cent. Voters aged 18 to 30 made up 53 per cent of the electorate.
"If they do not turn out to vote, overall turnout could fall below 50 per cent. What is the point of having a government elected by less than half the electorate? That would be too much of a minority," he said during Bersih's courtesy visit to the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) committee members here.
Present at the meeting were SJA president Mariah Doksil and adviser Datuk Muguntan Vanar.
The electoral watchdog had, in March, proposed that the Sabah government announce the dissolution date of the State Assembly earlier to allow voters ample time to prepare.
However, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun responded that such an announcement was at the government's prerogative and that it was not necessary.
Muhammad Faisal said Bersih had been advocating for voters from Sabah and Sarawak to be allowed to cast early ballots at mega polling centres in the peninsula.
He added that the coalition had presented the proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and the Election Commission for consideration.
On Bersih's four-day "Road to Reform" programme in Sabah, he said the activities included an election simulation for youths, expert forums, and awareness campaigns.
He noted that today's youths were increasingly interested in issues such as climate change and environmental concerns.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Samenta warns US tariff threatens Malaysia's SMEs, trade competitiveness
Ng warns that the move poses a serious threat to Malaysia's trade competitiveness and industrial base, particularly to export-oriented SMEs, which form the backbone of the manufacturing sector. KUCHING (July 9): The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) has expressed deep concern over the United States government's decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Malaysian exports, set to take effect in August. In a statement, Samenta president Datuk William Ng warned that the move poses a serious threat to Malaysia's trade competitiveness and industrial base, particularly to export-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the manufacturing sector. He described the tariff as an 'economic earthquake' for SMEs heavily reliant on the US market. 'We acknowledge the government's continued pursuit of a 'balanced and mutually beneficial' trade resolution with Washington, DC, but we urgently need coordinated action to cushion the impact on impacted SMEs,' Ng said. As such, Samenta is urging the government to expedite the rollout of previously announced support initiatives, including a RM1 billion increase in Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP) loan guarantees, RM500 million in soft loans through development financial institutions, and a RM50 million boost to Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade). 'These initiatives must be delivered quickly and with minimal red-tape,' Ng emphasised. 'More importantly, these relief measures must be extended to domestic, non- exporting businesses, which will be equally affected by the anticipated tailwinds from subdued exports and weaker domestic demand.' He further urged the government to halt all new and planned cost increases on SMEs, including the proposed rationalisation of petrol subsidy and incremental fees by various agencies and local councils. Ng also highlighted persistent labour shortages, especially in service sectors like food and beverage, tourism, and logistics. In view of this, Samenta is calling on the government to urgently review and ease restrictions on the hiring of foreign workers to help service-based SMEs absorb economic slack amid export headwinds. 'As Samenta has consistently pointed out, Malaysia's headline economic growth often masks deeper structural weaknesses within the SME sector. 'The real paradox is our ability to register macro-level gains while most SMEs remain trapped in low-margin, low-scale operations, squeezed by rising costs, regulatory pressures, and now, geopolitical shocks,' said Ng. He also noted the imposition of US tariffs is a stark reminder of the urgent need to recalibrate Malaysia's economic model to prioritise the long-term viability and competitiveness of its 1.5 million SMEs, with the creative and service economy at the heart of it. 'Samenta remains fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the government to support all SMEs directly or indirectly affected by the tariff,' he added. Samenta US tariff William Ng
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Algeria seeks to emulate Asean model of regional cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Algeria has expressed its deep appreciation to Malaysia and Asean member states for supporting its bid to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), describing the move as a step towards stronger bilateral and regional ties. Its Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Minister, Ahmed Attaf, said the country was grateful for the support extended, and viewed Asean as a model of successful regional cooperation. "The rationale behind our desire to join the TAC is that we enjoy fruitful bilateral relations with all Asean nations. "By joining, we add a new dimension to the bilateral landscape, and we will be strengthening, broadening, and giving more substance and dynamism to our relations with these friendly countries," he said. He was speaking at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan after the TAC Instrument of Accession signing ceremony today. Attaf also said Asean had succeeded in offering the world a compelling model of cooperation. As such, he added, Algeria hoped to replicate Asean's success in fostering strong cooperation, genuine integration and humility within its own region. "Asean has succeeded in offering the world a model which is an example of strong cooperation, genuine integration and modesty. "We want to learn from them how to replicate what they have successfully achieved in our respective region," he said. He added that in today's volatile geopolitical climate, such initiatives were essential for maintaining peace and stability. "We are going through difficult times internationally and globally. "We believe that movements of this nature, movements of this magnitude, help stabilise the world order based on the rule of law, respect for the UN Charter and, above all, respect for our mutual interests. "This is what Asean is all about," he said.
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Countdown to Sarawak Day 2025: TYT updated on July 22 Miri celebration plans
(From sixth left) Lee and committee members present the official celebration attire to Wan Junaidi and Fauziah. – Photo from Astana Negeri KUCHING (July 9): The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was briefed today on the latest preparations for the Sarawak Day 2025 celebrations during a meeting with the organising committee at the Astana Negeri Sarawak. The briefing was led by State Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, chairman of the Sarawak Day 2025 organising committee, who provided an update on the latest developments ahead of the celebration, scheduled to take place on July 22 in Miri. In a statement issued from the Astana, Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, expressed their appreciation to the committee for their efforts in ensuring a smooth celebration. They also hoped that Sarawak Day would be a platform to unite people of different races and instil patriotism among all Sarawakians. Among those present during the meeting were state deputy ministers Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Datuk Rosey Yunus, Datuk Gerawat Gala, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and Datuk Dr Ripin bin Lamat. Also in attendance were Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, Miri Division Resident Galong Luang, and heads of agencies involved in the event's organisation. celebration miri sarawak day TYT Wan Junaidi
