Kulai MP: Set up overseas polling stations for Singapore-based Johoreans

Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching is demanding that the Election Commission establish overseas polling stations in Singapore ahead of the 2022 Johor state polls.

Teo noted that there are 400,000 Malaysians working in Singapore - with many likely being Johoreans.

"This is a significant number of voters that would affect the outcome of the state elections.

"However, the vaccinated-travel-lane (VTL) limits the number of voters who can travel back to vote in the upcoming Johor state election.

"In order to participate in the election, hundreds of thousands of Johor voters have to register and cast postal votes.

"I hope that the Election Commission will not make life difficult for Johor voters. It must show strong commitment to allow more qualified Johor voters to vote," she said in a statement today.

Teo's statement comes after fellow DAP rep Chew Chong Sin's recent suggestion that overseas polling stations should be set up at Malaysian embassies - given the substantial Malaysian diaspora, particularly in Singapore.

In the same statement, Teo described the barriers to voting as "blatant" disrespect of voters' constitutional rights.

"The refusal to make allowance for an easier method for Johorean voters in Singapore to vote is a blatant disrespect of their constitutional democratic rights.

"There should not be hurdles set up nor the process cumbersome to prevent qualified voters from voting.

"With that, I call upon the Election Commission to set up overseas polling stations in the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore," she said.

On Jan 22, Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar consented to incumbent Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad's request to dissolve the state assembly, paving the way for fresh polls which must be called within 60 days.

The Election Commission (EC) will announce the state election date on Feb 9. - Mkini