Kota Kinabalu: The Election Commission (EC) must implement postal voting for Sabahans residing outside the state in the coming State Election to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without financial or logistical barriers.
PKR Sabah Chairman Datuk Ts. 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 schedules.
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. 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 on Saturday.
Despite the government introducing subsidies for economy-class tickets exceeding RM599 from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan during festive seasons, he stressed that a long-term solution is needed.
As of December 2024, Sabah has 1.69 million registered voters, with over 55 per cent being young voters aged 18 to 39. While automatic voter registration has expanded electoral eligibility, financial constraints still prevent many from voting, particularly thousands of Sabahan students studying across the country.
“This younger generation must be given a voice in shaping Sabah’s leadership and future. As the next generation of leaders, their perspectives deserve to be represented at the ballot box,” he said.
Previously, postal voting for Malaysians residing abroad was extended to those in Singapore and southern Thailand during the 15th General Election (GE15). Mustapha said this proves the system can be expanded to ensure fairer access for all voters.
“Considering that over 200,000 Sabahans are working and studying in Peninsular Malaysia alone, the EC must apply the same principle in the upcoming Sabah state election,” he added.
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