Federation urges Chinese voters to turn out for Johor, Negeri Sembilan polls

PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has called on Chinese voters in Johor and Negeri Sembilan to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their ballots in the upcoming state elections.

Huazong president Lim Kah Chuan said Chinese voters should be aware of the significant influence they hold in elections, as they make up the country’s second-largest ethnic group, China Press reported.

Lim said a higher turnout among Chinese voters would more accurately reflect the community’s overall political sentiment and preferred direction.

He also said a higher voter turnout would give the elected state governments greater legitimacy and stronger public representation.

Lim said that although Malaysians have generally experienced “political fatigue” following several elections held over a short period, the public should remain politically vigilant.

He also urged the government and the Election Commission to review the postal voting system, particularly the procedures and channels for overseas voting, to ensure Malaysians abroad can cast their ballots smoothly, promptly and effectively.

Lim proposed that the government consider allowing Malaysian embassies and consulates abroad to receive ballots from overseas voters through the appropriate legal procedures.

He also called for the relevant laws to be amended to ensure overseas ballots can be counted fairly and transparently without relying on postal delivery or hand-carried transport back to Malaysia.

The Johor election will be held on Saturday, and the Negeri Sembilan polls on Aug 1.