235 postal ballot papers issued for Tanjung Piai by-election

PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission (EC) today reminded all postal voters to mark their ballot papers correctly and return them as soon as possible.

Its chairman, Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, said the commission had sent out 235 postal ballot papers for the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 3, starting from 12pm.

“These postal ballot papers must reach the returning officer of the Tanjung Piai by-election before 5pm on polling day, fixed on Nov 16.

“Also, voters are reminded not to take pictures of their postal ballot papers or viral it on social media. Action will be taken against offenders,” he said.

The postal voters involved various categories, including eight absent voters comprising civil servants working abroad and their spouses as well as full-time students and their spouses.

“For applications for Form 1A, there are 225 (postal) voters comprising election and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officials.

“Applications for Form 1B (Malaysians who are abroad), there are two applications received from Malaysians in Japan and the United Kingdom,” he added.

Azhar also said the issuance of the postal ballot papers were done in the presence of the candidates’ representatives, including Pakatan Harapan, Gerakan and Berjasa.

“The commission has also invited appointed election observers to witness the issuance of the postal ballot papers.

“The observers who have turned up were from TINDAK Malaysia, Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE), Pertubuhan Akademi Demokrasi & Kewarganegaraan Malaysia (APDK) and the Malaysia Youth Council.

“The process was even being streamed live on the EC’s Facebook page to show that it had been done in a transparent and fair manner.

“Also, it aimed to raise the people’s awareness regarding the election process.”

He said the ballot papers had been handed over to Pos Malaysia for delivery on the same day (Nov 3).

Source: NST