Kota Kinabalu: Pertubuhan Gagasan Ekonomi Negeri Sabah (PGENS) Youth Chief Jonehtan Matheus regrets Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) decision to postpone its convocation by a day following the Election Commission’s announcement of the state election for Nov. 19.
“As an institution of higher learning that is the pride of Sabah’s people, this issue should be handled with a mature approach that achieves a win-win situation between UMS, the Election Commission and affected families,” said Jonehtan in a statement.
He acknowledged the disappointment felt by graduates and their families, who had made early preparations including flight bookings, accommodation reservations and leave arrangements based on the original convocation dates.
“Last-minute changes create logistical difficulties and financial burden, especially for families travelling from afar and those with lower incomes,” he said.
However, he said the Election Commission’s decision must also be respected as part of the nation’s democratic process.
“Keep the original convocation dates with slight timing adjustments to allow graduates, families and staff to vote.
“Establish formal cooperation between UMS and the Election Commission, including setting up special information counters on campus about polling locations and times, facilitating advance or postal voting for staff and students involved in convocation management and providing special arrangements for convocation participants who need to vote.
“Reschedule convocation sessions, for example, morning and afternoon slots to avoid clashing with peak voting hours.
“This approach not only respects the Election Commission’s decision but shows UMS leadership’s wisdom in balancing academic needs with civic responsibilities,” he said.
