KUCHING : In line with the nationwide campaign to get as many of the 4.1 million unregistered voters in Malaysia to register to vote, Bersih Sarawak will launch the U campaign on 11 March at the Kenyalang Post Office here at 9.30 am.
The objective of the U campaign is to raise awareness of the need to register to vote. In a press statement, Ann Teo, Bersih 2.0 Vice-Chairperson for Sarawak, said: “It takes between 4 and 6 months for the Election Commission to process, we are hoping that people do not wait until last minute to register as a voter.
“Our message is that they should register on or before 31 March, 2017 if they want a higher chance of being able to exercise their vote when the General Elections are called. This campaign is necessary because there are gaps in the system and the civil society is stepping in with its volunteer power. Although Election Commission has the job of registering new voters from amongst Malaysians who are 21 years old and above, the channels are quite restrictive.”
Teo added: “The figure of 4.1 million means that one in four eligible Malaysians have given up their democratic right to choose their representative whether consciously or not.
“We want to speak to those who have turned 21 or are in their twenties that if they choose not to register as voters this will eventually translate to a smaller collective voice and a lesser representation of the interests of the youths. Please don’t let this happen! Take this citizenship right seriously, register now and exercise this right wisely when election comes around.”
Teo urged all members of the public who wished to register as voters to do so at the nearest computerised Post Office all throughout Sarawak or Election Commission office.
“They are also welcome to join us at the launching at Kenyalang Park Post Office at 9.30am on 11 March and apply to register over the post office counter there. Just bring their ICs.
“Additionally, registered voters may also apply to change their polling districts at the Post Office provided the addresses in their IC are already changed.”
Teo explained tht Bersih Sarawak comprised a group of local non-governmental organisatons.
“We are combining efforts with different sections of the community to conduct voter registration activities throughout this month.
“We will keep the public informed of all the campaign activities via the media from time to time. As an example one of the participating civil action groups, R.O.S.E will be setting up a voter registration booth at Siburan Bazaar on 19 March from 9am to 2pm to cater to those living outside the city. “There will be another counter on 25 and 26 March at Kuching Sentral,” she added.
