There’s are a few things you shouldn’t lose in life and one of those things is your MyKad. How else are the authorities going to identify you? But what if that’s exactly what happens, losing your IC, right before polling day? Fret not guys, we’ve got you covered!
The Election Commission’s (EC) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah has said that voters who lose their identity cards (MyKad) can still vote by bringing along a copy of the report on the loss of their identification document for verification on polling day.
These are some other alternative documents you could also bring if you have lost your MyKad:
- Driving licence
- Limited-validity passport
- International passport
These documents have to contain your name, identity card number and picture.
Nothing can prevent a citizen from voting as everyone’s vote is secret, and nobody will know, except for the voters themselves, the EC Chairman told Bernama recently.
Regarding concerns that the serial number of the ballot papers could be used to identify voters, Hashim assured us that there is no need to worry as the serial number is printed only to facilitate the EC officer to check and count the number of ballot papers.
“On the ballot papers, there are no serial numbers and for the public’s information, after the ballot counting and the results are announced, the ballot papers are kept in a safe place for 21 days in case there are parties petitioning for a recount,” he said.
He said the ballot papers would then be destroyed, and this would be witnessed by various parties.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
Furthermore, he said employers who refuse to allow their workers to go to the polls could be fined RM5,000 or sent to jail for a year, as mentioned under Section 25 of the Elections Act 1958. Employers cannot penalise an employee by deducting his/her salary or wage, or impose any action on him/her for not turning up for duty during this period.
So, there you have it! Don’t forget to bring the right documentation for the big day if you happen to lose your MyKad!
Also read: Will Wearing Nail Polish on Polling Day Really Disqualify You As a Voter?
