A group of Malaysians have sued election authorities in what they described as an attempt to extend voting rights to nearly one million citizens living abroad. Rights activists have long criticised restrictions that prevent most Malaysians abroad from casting ballots. Exceptions include government workers, military personnel and full-time students.
A group of Malaysians called “My Overseas Vote” said in a statement that six citizens working in the United Kingdom have asked the Kuala Lumpur High Court to force the Election Commission to register them as voters before the next general elections, widely expected next year.
“To say that only certain groups of citizens are allowed the postal ballot is nonsense that amounts to outright discrimination,” said Mr Teo Hoon Seong, one of the litigants.
The court is scheduled to hear preliminary arguments on Nov 14 on whether to allow a full hearing for the lawsuit. Commission officials had no immediate comment. It recently announced plans to extend voting rights at an unspecified time.
Full Article: TODAYonline | World | Vote sought for overseas M’sians.