GE14 | Bersih today called on local employers as well as those who employ Malaysians in Singapore, Brunei, Southern Thailand and Kalimantan to be supportive of voters who intend to return to vote in the 14th general election (GE14).

In a statement, the electoral watchdog said while the announcement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) that polling day, which falls on May 9, a Wednesday, will be a public holiday, it still does not address problems faced by voters who have to travel far to exercise their rights as citizens.

"While we welcome the announcement by PMO, we maintain that the Election Commission should have fixed the polling day on a weekend in the first place.

"The public holiday announcement still poses a challenge for voters who will have to travel far to vote, particularly voters from Sabah and Sarawak who reside in Peninsular Malaysia, and vice versa," said Bersih.

Voters working in the above mentioned four countries, who are not eligible for postal voting, will also face hurdles as it not a public holiday in their countries of residence, and therefore, may have to take extended leave, the statement added.

"Bersih is concerned with a possible low turnout of voters on May 9 despite it being declared a public holiday.

"Voter turnout of 90 percent is needed for a strong representation of the voice of the people to determine Malaysia's future," Bersih, said, further urging voters to come out and vote in big numbers.