THE Election Commission (EC) must make urgent changes to the overseas voting system to ensure that the growing number of overseas Malaysian voters are able to cast their ballot in the 15th general election, Global Bersih said.

The group said in a statement by its steering committee that the EC must immediately open the overseas postal voter registration as well as allowing non-Malaysians to act as witnesses on postal ballot documents.

“At the moment, Malaysians abroad have to register as overseas voters during a narrow time frame before each election, putting pressure on both the EC staff to process the applications and on voters to apply within a limited time,” the group said.

“Open the postal voter registration immediately and allow non-Malaysians to act as witnesses on postal ballot documents which is a change from the current requirement that postal ballot documents must be signed and witnessed by a Malaysian citizen.”

The group said the current requirement has become a stumbling block for many overseas Malaysians who live in areas with few or no other Malaysians.

“Allowing non-Malaysians to be witnesses will enable more overseas Malaysians to participate in the voting process,” the group said, adding that the EC should extend the campaign period to a minimum of 21 to 25 days.

“This is to allow enough time for postal ballots to be sent to overseas voters and returned to polling stations.”

Global Bersih secretary-general Nirmala Devi Windgatter said the EC can implement the changes before GE15 as the requests are straightforward procedural changes within its discretion.

She said the changes should be made as soon as possible.

“Relevant government departments must act proactively in disseminating information on the overseas voting process to Malaysians abroad.”

“Voters should be immediately informed that they should open a user account on the EC’s website to be able to register as overseas voters,” she said.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has hinted that the GE might take place soon as negotiation between Umno top brass on the date is taking place.

Umno president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been calling for Ismail to dissolve parliament this year but Ismail has yet to bow to pressure. – September 23, 2022.