KUCHING: The polling day for the 15th general election (GE15) set by the Election Commission (EC) which falls on a Saturday has its own significance.
National Council of Professors (MPN) senior fellow Dato Dr Jeniri Amir said that the day and date chosen by the EC, which is on Nov 19 and on a Saturday is ideal to hold an election and this will ensure sufficient voting period and smooth process.
He said it is impossible to hold an election on a Friday as the timing is too short and the Muslims will have to perform the Friday prayers as well.
“The weekends in certain states in Malaysia falls on Friday and Saturday.
“Saturday is deemed as the ideal choice because that’s the only day the people are free from any obligations,” he said in a talk on pre-nomination of candidates for GE15 which was aired live on TVS, today (Oct 20).
Jeniri said those working or living outside of their polling area will have ample time to go back and vote without them having to apply for leave from work.
“This will also allow the 21.1 million Malaysians to use as much time given as possible to vote.
“This is indeed an appropriate choice of date and day and there should be no criticism, even though it was expected that GE15 will be held on Nov 12, which is also on a Saturday,” he added.
Besides the election date, the EC also has set the nomination day on Nov 5 while early voting is on Nov 15.
