MIRI: Many Sarawakians living outside the state, particularly in the state of Johor are unable to exercise their rights to vote in the April 16 Sarawak election.
Bernama news reported on March 24 that there were about 40,000 Sarawakians of the Dayak-Iban origin staying and working in Johor, and the pasar tamu set up by the Dayak community at Taman Megah in Pasir Gudang has been their focal point to meet one another over the years.
“There are some 40,000 Ibans staying in Johor state who cannot return to vote in the Sarawak election,” said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Miri branch chairman Dr Michael Teo recently.
Dr Teo is concerned about the fairness of the polls, as postal votes have historically been shown to heavily favour the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
“All Malaysians should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights, and not be limited to civil servants and students only,” said Dr Teo who is reported to be interested to contest in either Piasau or Senadin seats.
He also thought that the election campaigning period of 10 days from April 6 to 16 was too short, given that Sarawak is such a large state and lacking road access in many places.
“21 days would have been more appropriate, to give the opportunity for more people to listen to all issues affecting their rights, rather than rush through it,” he added.