Tuaran: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has backed a proposal by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung urging the Election Commission (EC) to implement postal voting for Sabahans residing, working, or studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
Madius noted that the idea is not new and has been raised multiple times by various parties, including civil society groups like Bersih.
“In my view, this measure should be implemented to ensure that Sabahans living outside their home state are not denied the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and responsibility,” he said in a statement.
He pointed out that many Sabahans in the peninsula face difficulties returning home to vote during elections due to limited flight availability, high airfares, and time constraints such as difficulty obtaining leave.
“The postal voting proposal would ease the burden and allow them to fulfil their civic duty more easily,” he added.
Madius, who is also Honorary President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), said expanding access to postal voting is key to strengthening democratic participation.
“We must ensure that the right to vote is accessible to all citizens, regardless of location. A transparent and secure postal voting system will allow more Sabahans to be part of the democratic process,” he said.
He stressed that the proposal aligns with principles of fairness and inclusivity, which are fundamental to Malaysia’s electoral system and thus deserves serious consideration by the government and EC.
Lee had earlier urged the EC to allow Sabahans based in the peninsula to vote by post should a Sabah state election be called, so their right to vote is not denied by distance or financial burden.
Madius also called on the EC and state government to review the legal framework and mechanisms for postal voting, including introducing early voting systems and improving information access for Sabah voters living outside the state.
