BERSIH has urged the government to review the standard operating procedures (SOP) for elections, so the “ridiculous” guidelines in the Malacca polls will not be repeated in the Sarawak polls.

Its steering committee said due to a lack of infrastructure and information access in Sarawak, face-to-face campaigning must be allowed.

“Contesting candidates have the right to communicate campaign information to voters, who will want to make an informed decision in the polls.

“The government – via the Election Commission (EC), Health Ministry and National Security Council – must issue a new SOP that is fairer to all to create a level playing field.”

The electoral watchdog said the guidelines should be issued as early as possible before nomination day, so all parties have sufficient preparation time.

Ceramah, public speeches and physical campaigns were banned in the Malacca polls, with Putrajaya slammed for imposing strict rules during the campaign period.

Bersih suggested that a special polling station be established in each state to allow Sarawak voters living in Sabah or the peninsula to cast their votes without having to fly back.

“There are an estimated 250,000 Sarawakians living in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. A recent check on flight ticket price from the peninsula to Sarawak comes to about RM3,000.

“This is extremely unfair for voters, especially the majority that cannot afford expensive travel expenses, as they will be deprived of their right to vote.”

The EC has announced polling day to be on December 18, while nomination day will be on December 6 and early voting on December 14.

Bersih expressed concern about the short campaign period (12 days) and called for the state government to announce a public holiday on polling day.

“The 12-day campaign period is too short.

“Sarawak is the largest state and has the largest number of constituencies in Malaysia. A short campaign period will not do justice to the candidates and voters.

“The ideal length is at least 21 days for the upcoming Sarawak polls, so postal votes can reach the ballot box in time and candidates and political parties have more time to campaign in this highly controlled situation under the pandemic.

“Bersih calls on the Sarawak government to declare polling day as a special public holiday, as done by the Malacca government, to ease voters to come out to cast their votes.”

Sarawak has 82 state seats, and 1,951 polling centres will be set up for the polls. – November 27, 2021.