Malaysia’s 14th General Election date has finally been announced, amid increasing anticipation as to when it would actually happen.
Earlier today, an election commission announced that the voting day would be May 9, a Wednesday. Many Malaysians are registered in their hometowns, which can be hours away from the cities where they work.
This is somewhat unusual, as previous polling dates were on a weekend day – whether the last GE, which was held on a Sunday, or the 12th GE, which was held on a Saturday. And the one before that, which was again, on a Sunday.
In fact, it will be the first GE since the 10th in 1999 not held on a weekend, when a familiar face was leading the ruling coalition seeking re-election, none other than 92-year old, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
While some corners of the internet are wondering if there is an alternative agenda in placing the date in the middle of the week, when many adult Malaysians are at work, one non-profit lawyers group has tweeted a reminder: Section 25 of the Elections Act 1954 states that ALL employers must allow their employees “a reasonable period” of time off to vote. They have encouraged citizens to take their leave, which is their right, and to do their civic duty.
The act stipulates that no pay should be docked, and no any penalty imposed for any workers taking time off to vote. Furthermore, employers who either directly or indirectly intimidate or interfere with an employee voting are liable to pay an RM5,000 (US$1,250) fine, and up to one year in jail.
There you have it – between being granted time off by the constitution, an official national school holiday granted, and having your re-booking fees waived by Air Asia, Malindo, and Cathay Pacific (who was accused of wanting “regime change” by offering this from one rather bold deputy minister) – there are no excuses to get out there and vote!
