Seventh-day Adventists seek early voter status

The Sabah Mission of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) has urged the Election Commission to accord their members "early voter" status.

In a statement today, Sabah Mission SDA spokesperson Pastor Earie Madius said members observe Sabbath from sundown on Friday to the following day. 

"Throughout the day, members of the SDA only involve themselves in religious and welfare activities.

"We humbly urge the EC to consider allowing all members of the SDA throughout Malaysia, especially in Sabah, to fulfil their duties as citizens by voting without having to neglect their religious obligations," Pastor Earie (above) said.

He said the requests by the SDA were in line with the first line of the Rukun Negara - "Belief in God".

Polling for the parliamentary election falls on Saturday, Nov 19. However, uniformed personnel will be able to vote earlier on Nov 15.

READ MORE: First-time voter? Check out our GE15 guide

The Seventh-day Adventist is a branch of Christianity which considers Saturday instead of Sunday as the Sabbath. 

This is believed to be the first time they are seeking to be accorded "early voter" status. Sabah is believed to have the largest proportion of Adventist adherents.

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