The Election Commission (EC) has received 2,485 applications from Malaysians abroad wishing to vote by post in 13th general election.

Deputy chief Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said most are Malaysians in Australia (574), followed by United Kingdom (449), United States (195), China (132) and Qatar (116).

"The closing date for registration of overseas postal voters is when parliament is dissolved. I advise them to register early and not at the last minute to avoid problems," he told a press conference here today.

Voters who wish to apply need to download the 1B form from the EC website and send back the completed form via email, fax or mail.

Rules allowing Malaysians abroad to vote by post was gazetted on Jan 21 based on three conditions.

They must be registered voters, return to Malaysia at least 30 days in five years before the dissolution of parliament and state assemblies and applicable to Malaysians abroad except those in South Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Kalimantan.

Wan Ahmad said the applications will be processed and approved by the retaining officer in the polling area. Postal voters will vote in the Malaysian embassy or high commission.

"We will not send ballot papers to postal voters address as we want to ensure that they receive them to guarantee their right to vote is preserved."

He dismissed claims of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that the postal voting for overseas voters would take about a month to implement.

"Its hard to say the exact number of days but we take swift action to ensure that the ballot papers reach voters and get back to the EC quickly. In fact, voting is only for one day."

- Bernama