Many M’sians abroad still waiting for ballot papers

PETALING JAYA: With only three days left until the Nov 19 deadline, Malaysians living overseas are still waiting for their postal ballot papers to arrive.

A voter in Los Angeles, United States, who did not want to be identified, said she was still waiting for her ballot papers as of yesterday.

“At this point, I do not know if it will arrive by Nov 19 and I am also trying to figure out if I will be able to find a courier who could send the vote back to Malaysia on time,” said the 34-year-old mother of one.

“There has been no update on the tracking status. It looks like I will not be able to vote this time around,” said the executive from Petaling Jaya who moved after her marriage.

Another voter based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, who only wanted to be known as Ian, is also waiting for his ballot paper.

“I am a first-time voter, and I am disappointed that I will miss the deadline,” said the 25-year-old from Penang, who works in the hospitality sector.

“I am excited to vote, and even if it arrives by Nov 19, I don’t think I will be able to send the ballot back on time unless I am able to find someone who is flying to Malaysia before Saturday,” he added.

Several Malaysians from Australia, Japan, Great Britain and other countries have also taken to social media to share their predicament, as they continued to wait for their ballot papers.

On the home front, some media practitioners have also yet to receive their postal ballots.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a journalist said he received a call from the delivery man saying his ballot papers were sent to Shah Alam, when the address given was Petaling Jaya.

The issuance of postal ballots for the 222 parliamentary seats and 117 state constituencies has been ongoing since Nov 7, and the completed ballot will have to reach the returning officer by 5pm on Nov 19.