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GEORGE TOWN – In an effort to boost voter turnout for the upcoming election, the Penang government has declared a state holiday on November 18, the eve of polling day for the general election.
Taking a cue from fellow Pakatan-led Selangor and Negri Sembilan governments, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the public holiday would enable its voters to make preparations in a timely and convenient manner ahead of polling day on November 19.
Yesterday, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced a similar public holiday for the state.
Amirudin, who is contesting in the Gombak parliamentary seat, had said the decision took into consideration the high number of registered voters in Selangor as well as those residing in the state but who will be casting their ballots elsewhere.
He hoped that the federal government, led by caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, would similarly declare a nationwide public holiday on November 18 to make it more convenient for voters to cast their ballots the next day.
If this happens, he said the state’s announcement will be revoked to avoid overlapping directives.
“If they (federal government) are incapable or think it is inappropriate to declare a public holiday (on the eve of polling), then Selangor will (maintain its declaration).”
On Tuesday, Ismail reportedly said the federal government will study the proposal to declare a special public holiday on November 18. – The Vibes, November 10, 2022