By Olivia Miwil - August 4, 2020 @ 7:16pm
(File pic) Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) has urged the Election Commission to allow postal voting for Sabahans in peninsula Malaysia for the upcoming state election. Photo by ROSDAN WAHID/NSTP
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) has urged the Election Commission to allow postal voting for Sabahans in peninsula Malaysia for the upcoming state election.
Its youth chief Phoong Jin Zhe said the voting method was essential in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and high cost for voters flying back to their hometowns in the state.
"This is in line with the recent statement released by Bersih 2.0 which urged the EC to facilitate postal voting for Sabahans, especially for those resident in the Peninsula, to vote in the upcoming state election.
"There are many Sabahans who are away and may not be able to come back and be present to vote at a polling station, especially our youths who have to leave for West Malaysia in search of greener pastures.
"Their votes are as precious as any (other) Sabahan here and they have the right for their voices to be heard through the ballet box," he said in a statement today.
Phoong, who is also state Youth and Sports minister, said the move was also in tandem with the state government's continuous efforts to uphold democracy and advocacy for fairer electoral systems.
"I urge the Election Commission therefore, in tandem with Bersih 2.0, to allow postal votes for the upcoming state election and for all Sabahans, whether in Sabah or in Peninsula Malaysia, to vote - to punish the political frogs and restore stability for our beloved State."
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal announced the dissolution of 15th state assembly on July 30.
The move came after several elected representatives from Parti Warisan Sabah-PH-Upko pact defected to support former Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman as the new state chief executive and topple Shafie-led state government.
Musa had claimed that he had a simple majority to take over the state administration.
Following the dissolution of the unicameral chamber, the 16th state election must be held in the next 60 days.
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