GE15: EC urged to bear the cost of overseas postal ballot papers
SHAH ALAM - The Electoral Commission (EC) has been urged to bear all costs of sending and returning postal ballots of Malaysians who are abroad.
The Student Bureau of the Malaysian Democratic Union Party (Muda) in a statement on Sunday said Malaysian embassies around the world should be given the opportunity to coordinate all general election voting matters abroad.
This is to reduce the burden of students abroad so that the postal voting process can run smoothly.
"Although the ballot papers must be returned to Malaysia, the EC is obliged to bear all the logistical costs of sending and returning ballot papers so that it can ease the burden of students who are studying to exercise their rights as Malaysians.
"We are very sorry to hear complaints from Malaysians abroad, especially students that they have not received the ballot paper.
"The failure of the EC to plan the logistics of ballot papers and the failure of the embassy to provide voting facilities is a form of discrimination against students for violating their rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution," the statement read.
Sinar Harian on Sunday reported that there were still many overseas voters who have not received their postal ballot papers even though there are only a few days left before the 15th General Election (GE15).
According to the statement, the EC should provide an explanation as to why the issue occurred while students and those living abroad have registered and applied earlier.
The statement added that as the body responsible for elections, the EC should take steps to facilitate the voting process.
"Make sure that all postal ballot papers arrive to the electorate at the proper time.
"Receipt of ballot papers at the last minute will increase the number of damaged ballots as it is most likely that the ballot papers will not arrive at the proper time.
"Does the EC not have a logistical arrangement plan as the preparation for the general election has been discussed for a long time. Or does the EC take the people of Malaysia's rights lightly?" the statement read
