Attention, Malaysians living overseas!
As we’re all aware, the 14th General Election (GE14) is expected to happen sometime this year, and although no official date has been announced yet, people all over the country have been registering to vote.
So, if you happen to be overseas during the election period and want to cast your vote, now’s the time to apply to vote by post!
Source: Malaysia Dateline
According to a press statement, starting today (23rd January), Malaysians living abroad can apply as postal voters if they adhere to the following conditions set by the Election Commission (EC):
- Applicants need to be registered voters under the category of “Normal Voter/Pengundi Biasa“, not “Overseas Absent Voter/Pengundi Tidak Hadir (PTH) Luar Negara“
- Have returned to Malaysia not less than 30 days within 5 years before the parliament or state assembly is dissolved
- You are currently residing overseas, except South Thailand (Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla dan Satun), Singapore, Brunei and Kalimantan, and Indonesia. (Malaysians residing in these countries are required to return to Malaysia on polling day in order to vote)
Source: Foto Warung
If you’ve registered as an Overseas Absent Voter, you do not need to apply for this as you’re already considered a postal voter. However, the EC does advise Overseas Absent Voters to update their current address through ‘Sistem Aduan‘ and ‘Pertanyaan SPR‘ on the EC website.
Updated addresses should include applicants’ passport attachment for verification. This also allows the EC to send postal vote papers for GE14.
So, how do you go about applying as a postal voter if you meet the EC’s conditions?
1. Fill out ‘Borang 1B‘ available here
2. Send the completed form using one of the following methods:
- E-mail: upup@spr.gov.my
- Fax: 03-8881 0424 / 0399 / 0394 / 0386 / 0369
- Mail: Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia, Menara SPR, No.2 Jalan P2T, Presint 2, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan 62100 Putrajaya (u.p. Unit Pengurusan Undi Pos Luar Negara).
Postal votes during GE14 will also reportedly be handled by POS Malaysia Bhd instead of the Foreign Ministry.
So, remember to send in your applications as soon as possible, because applications will close after 12 midnight on the day the parliament dissolves!
Check out the full press statement here. If you want more information, visit the EC’s website here!
Also read: GE14 is Coming But Only Less Than 10% M’sian Undergrads Registered to Vote
