U Campaign on March 11 to encourage more Malaysians to register as voters

KUCHING: Bersih Sarawak will launch the ‘ U Campaign’ this Saturday ( March 11) at Kenyalang Post Office here, commencing at 9.30am.

The event here is held in connection with the nationwide campaign to encourage more Malaysians to register as voters.

It is learned that there are as many as 4.1 million Malaysians who have yet to register as voters.

For Bersih 2.0 vice- chairperson for Sarawak Ann Teo, the figure ‘4.1 million’ meant that one in every four eligible Malaysians had given up their democratic right to choose their representative – whether they realised it or not.

“The objective of the campaign’ is to raise awareness of the need to register as voters. It takes between four and six months for the Election Commission ( EC) to process; thus, we are hoping that people would not wait till the last minute to register.

“Our message is that they should register by March 31 if they want a higher chance of being able to exercise their right come the next general elections ( GE14),” she said.

Teo believed that this campaign was necessary in view of the gaps in the system.

“The civil society is stepping in with their volunteer power.

“Although the EC has the job of registering new voters among Malaysians aged 21 and above, the channels are quite restrictive. Prior to GE13, the EC used to appoint members of political parties to be assistant registrar officers (AROs) – but not anymore, due to reports of misuse and abuse.

“We want to speak to those who have turned 21 or are in their 20s that if they choose not to register as voters, this would eventually translate to a smaller collective voice and a lesser representation of the youths. Please don’t let this happen.

“Take citizen’s right seriously – register now and exercise your right wisely when election comes around.”

Teo also called upon all members of the public wishing to register as voters to do so at the nearest computerised post office branch across Sarawak, or the nearest EC office.

“They are also welcome to join us at the U Campaign launch at Kenyalang Park Post Office this Saturday – just bring along your MyKad. Additionally, registered voters may also apply to change their polling districts at the post office – provided that the address on their MyKad has been changed accordingly.”

Bersih Sarawak is a group of local non- governmental organisations ( NGOs) that are combining efforts with different sections of the community to conduct voter’s registration activities throughout this month.

“We will keep the public informed of all the campaign activities via the media from time to time.

“For example, a civil action group ROSE ( Rise of Sarawak Efforts) will run a voter’s registration booth at Siburan Bazaar on March 19 from 9am to 2pm for those living outside Kuching city,” said Teo.

ROSE would also manage another counter at Kuching Sentral this March 25 and 26.