The Home Ministry (KDN) will explore suitable measures to help Johor voters employed in Singapore return home to cast their ballots in the upcoming 16th Johor State Election (PRN).
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said preparations involving the Malaysian Immigration Department and other relevant agencies would be made once the Election Commission announces the election timetable.
He said the Election Commission is expected to convene on June 12 to determine important dates, including nomination day, campaigning duration and polling day.
“The voting date will have different implications, especially for Johoreans working in Singapore. If polling is held on a Saturday, some may still be on duty.
“KDN will look at every available avenue to make it easier for them to return and exercise their right as voters,” he told reporters after attending the Citra Negara Programme: Safe Schools at the Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) in Batu Pahat.
Saifuddin said the government recognises the importance of ensuring that voters working across the Causeway are not hindered from participating in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, commenting on preparations by the opposition bloc for the state election, he said the People’s Justice Party has completed the initial stage of candidate selection after receiving nominations from its divisional and state leadership.
He added that fellow coalition members, Democratic Action Party and National Trust Party, are expected to follow the same process before a final decision is made.
According to him, the proposed candidates and seat distribution arrangements must still be endorsed by the coalition’s Presidential Council.
Saifuddin said discussions on the matter are likely to continue after Anwar Ibrahim returns from a three-day working visit to Tokyo.
“Once the Prime Minister is back, I will seek the earliest opportunity to convene discussions so that confirmation of candidates and seat allocations can be concluded,” he said.
The Election Commission’s upcoming meeting is expected to provide greater clarity on the timeline leading up to Johor’s next state election, with political parties already intensifying preparations ahead of the contest.
-HR HUB
