Don’t let expensive flights hold Sarawakians back from voting, govt told

SARAWAK POLLS | Opposition politicians are concerned that expensive flight tickets will prevent some from returning to vote in the upcoming Sarawak election.

They thus urged Putrajaya and the caretaker Sarawak government to implement price controls.

Polling day is on Dec 18, one week before Christmas.

In a statement today, Sarawak PKR Youth cried foul as return flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching or Miri around polling day came up to some RM3,300.

State wing chief Saifunnizam Sam and his deputy Chiew Choon Man said they had received many complaints about these prices from Sarawakians who work in Peninsula Malaysia.

“The right to vote is a constitutional right and a basic right of every Sarawakian citizen.

“However, it is as if Sarawakians are now punished and barred from exercising their right to vote due to excessively expensive flight tickets.

“Sarawak PKR Youth urges the federal and state governments to discuss this issue with airline companies,” they said.

“Urgent action needs to be taken to bring down the flight ticket prices to enable Sarawakians abroad to return to their beloved home and exercise their rights to determine Sarawak’s future,” they added.

Implement price controls

DAP’s Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii similarly urged the government to implement price controls.

“The government must find ways to control prices of air tickets back to Sarawak three days before and three days after the election date to ensure maximum voter turnout and remove obstacles for eligible Sarawakians to come back to vote.

“Now a quick search shows it costs up to RM1,000 (one way) just to fly to Kuching.

“It is madness, and the government must do something to allow our fellow Sarawakians to vote,” he said in a statement.

Maintaining his stance that now was the wrong time to hold the Sarawak election, he nevertheless urged the Election Commission (EC) to ensure a level playing field.

“I call upon the EC to ensure clear and specific SOPs that are based on science to ensure all political parties can spread their message fairly and clearly.

“There must be fair enforcement to ensure no double standards and SOPs designed to favour any party.

“(And) ensure equal and fair airtime and coverage for all political parties in national media - newspaper, television, radio et cetera,” Yii said. - Mkini