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Kota Kinabalu: The Election Commission (EC) must implement postal voting for Sabahans residing outside the state in the upcoming Sabah state election to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without financial or logistical barriers.

PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said this is crucial as many Sabahans, particularly students and workers in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and overseas, struggle to return home due to high travel costs and tight schedule.

Beyond postal voting, he urged the EC to explore other voting methods that would make it easier for Sabahans outside the state to participate in the election. 

One such option is online voting, which could be implemented with strict security measures, similar to Estonia’s e-voting system. Another alternative is setting up designated polling centres in major cities outside Sabah, following the model used in Indonesia’s general elections, where polling stations were opened in multiple locations across Malaysia.

"High flight costs have long been a concern for Sabahans, especially during election season. In October 2024, reports showed that ticket prices for flights between Sabah and the peninsula could soar up to RM1,700," Mustapha said in a statement today.