BERSIH and Global BERSIH welcome the statement by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in Belgium, emphasizing that Malaysians abroad must have voting rights equal to those in the country. This is crucial for strengthening democracy in Malaysia and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, can contribute to the nation’s electoral process. This aligns with previous calls for reforms to voting access so that no citizen is left out of the democratic process to elect the nation’s leadership.

We reiterate our recommendations to improve access and the effectiveness of voting for overseas and out-of-region voters:

1. Downloading Postal Ballots via MySPR

One of the main challenges faced by overseas voters is the short timeframe provided for the delivery and return of postal ballots before the polling booth closes on voting day. To address this issue and expedite overseas postal voting, we propose a hybrid system that combines online and offline aspects. We recommend that overseas voters be allowed to download their ballots directly through the MySPR system, with robust security verification mechanisms.

This step will reduce delivery time and ensure voters can receive and return their ballots faster. Besides the traditional methods being extremely costly for the Election Commission (EC), it also leaves room for human error as postal ballot management is currently done manually.

For detailed recommendations, please refer to: https://bersih.org/download/evaluation-of-postal-voting-for-johor-2022-for-overseas-voters/

2. Open Postal Voting Registration a Minimum of 6 Months Before Elections

Global BERSIH and BERSIH has long called for the need to allow Malaysians overseas to register as postal voters well in advance of elections. Therefore, we propose that the registration period be opened at least six months before elections to allow sufficient time for the registration process and the delivery of ballots. In the event of snap elections or unexpected vacancies, registration must be opened immediately after the dissolution or announcement of the vacancy.

This measure aims to reduce time pressure and ensure more Malaysians abroad can exercise their right to vote effectively.

3. Improve Voting Access for Out-of-Region/State Voters

We urge that domestic voting access be facilitated for voters living outside their constituencies or states, such as voters from Sabah and Sarawak residing in Peninsular Malaysia for work or study, and vice versa. The EC could open mega advanced voting centres in every state to enable voters from Sabah and Sarawak to cast their votes at these centres.

Voting rights and access should not be limited to those who can afford the typically inflated flight ticket prices during election periods.

4. Minimum Campaign Period of 21 Days

A minimum campaign period of 21-25 days is necessary to ensure ballots from all over the world have enough time to reach Malaysia before Election Day. This provides overseas voters with sufficient time to return their ballots without concerns about logistical delays.

BERSIH and Global BERSIH is committed to ensuring that every Malaysian, regardless of geographic location, can exercise their democratic right easily and fairly. The government and the EC must examine and implement these recommendations to enhance Malaysia’s electoral system.

Joint statement by:
The Steering Committee of BERSIH and Global BERSIH