By Lian Cheng
BINTULU, Nov 4: One of the contributing factors to the low voter turnout in the Jepak by-election was the refusal of some employers to release their employees to vote, according to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Jepak by-election campaign director, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The Election Commission (EC) registered a total of 22,761 voters for Jepak constituency, but the turnout only was 10,923 — a low 48.57 per cent.
“There were employers who refused to release their employees who are voters because this is a by-election and not a general election.
“So many workers who are voters, their employers did not want to give them permission to go vote. This is also one of the factors on why the turnout rate was low,” said Awang Tengah at a press conference following the announcement of the winning of GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee by returning officer Abang Zainuddin Abang Turkey at Jepak by-election counting centre at Bintulu Civic Centre here.
He also mentioned that another reason for the low turnout was that the electoral roll had not been updated, with the names of deceased individuals still included in the voter list.
Expressing disappointment of failure to achieve the targeted turnout, he said GPS’ target was 55 per cent.
“Despite the low turnout of 48 per cent, in this by-election, we won in all polling districts and we also managed to win in all polling stations.
“This shows the strong confidence they have for GPS under the leadership of our Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) to bring Sarawak forward to be more advanced and to maintain the solidarity of our society,” said Awang Tengah, who is also Deputy Premier.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari, who was also present explained that the turnout was low because this was a by-election where the turnout is usually not as high as that of state or general elections.
Many voters in this by-election were working in outstation areas, while some young voters were university students who couldn’t return to their hometowns to vote.
“In a by-election such as this one, the highest (turnout) you can get is about 50 to 54 (per cent), but today we got 48 (per cent), (which is) near to 50. Actually it is okay.
“What is important is, GPS has received a strong support in this by-election,” said Abang Johari.
Also present at the press conference were Tanjung Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang and Bekenu assembly woman Datuk Rosey Yunus. — DayakDaily
