TUARAN: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has urged the Election Commission to avoid setting nomination and polling days on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, out of respect for religious observance.
He said holding these key election processes on days of worship contradicts the first principle of the Rukun Negara, which is "Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan" (Belief in God).
Madius noted that Friday is sacred to Muslims, Saturday to followers of the Seventh-Day Adventist and True Jesus Church, and Sunday to Christians including Catholics and Protestants, adding that such scheduling could disrupt worship practices.
The honorary president of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) pointed out that past elections, such as the 14th General Election and the Permatang Pauh by-election, were successfully held on weekdays, showing that religious sensitivities can be accommodated.
He said respecting worship days reflects the true spirit of the Rukun Negara and called on the authorities to ensure that election decisions uphold this shared national value.