Johor polls: PM Anwar rules out contacting Singapore counterpart on Malaysian voters

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly stated that he has no plans to contact his Singaporean counterpart about election arrangements for Malaysian voters residing in the republic. The Johor state elections are approaching, and many Malaysians working across the Causeway typically return home to cast their ballots.

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Generally, we do not request other countries to interfere in our domestic affairs, including matters relating to elections in our country.

Anwar explained that Malaysia generally does not request other countries to interfere in its domestic affairs, including electoral matters. However, he noted that companies in Singapore could be informed to facilitate travel arrangements for citizens returning to vote. This approach aims to balance national sovereignty with practical considerations for voters abroad.

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We can, however, inform companies in Singapore to facilitate arrangements for those returning to vote.

During the Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar responded to a question from Mohd Sany Hamzan, who had asked him to discuss the matter with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Anwar reiterated his stance, emphasizing that direct contact with the Singaporean Prime Minister on this issue is not his intention.

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But I do not intend to contact the Prime Minister of Singapore regarding voting arrangements or elections in Malaysia.

On a related note, Anwar shared his personal view that holding the election on a Sunday might be more suitable. He believes this would encourage more people to participate, as many Malaysians working in Singapore have half-day shifts on Saturdays. Despite his personal opinion, Anwar acknowledged that the Election Commission is an independent body responsible for setting the polling date.

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Many people work in Singapore and on Saturdays, many work half-days, so perhaps Sunday would be more suitable.