KUCHING, April 12: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said that polling on a work day is not a new practice in Malaysia.
As such, Masing who is also Deputy Chief Minister said there is no basis for the opposition to criticise the Election Commission (EC). To him, the opposition was just playing to the gallery.
“Polling during working days is nothing new in Malaysia. Opposition ‘marah’ (angry) at EC is without basis. Its just a case of making noise in order to be heard by the public,” said Masing in a statement today.
He said now with Prime Minister of the caretaker government Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announcing that May 9 is a public holiday, there should be no issue.
“And now May 9 has been declared a public holiday. This is even better to ensure that all gainfully employed voters have the chance to vote on the day.”
“This will allow those who wish to exercise their right to vote for the government they wish. What else does the opposition want?” asked Masing who is also Infrastructure Development and
Transportation Minister.
He was responding to the recent protest by the opposition after EC fixed May 9, a Wednesday, to be polling day after Najib announced the dissolution of parliament on April 10.
Following the announcement by the EC, all state opposition parties including the members of opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) — state DAP, state PKR and state Amanah as well as local opposition party Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru all expressed their dismay over the decision.
Yesterday, however, the Prime Minister’s Department declared May 9 as a public holiday to allow voters to exercise their democratic right.
Today, the Chief Minister’s office made a similar announcement to declare May 9 as a public holiday, citing the
state Public Holidays Ordinance. — DayakDaily
