Malaysia Won't Ask Singapore for Voting Leave for Citizens

The Malaysian government will not seek intervention from Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to allow Malaysians working in the city-state special leave to return and vote in the upcoming Johor state election. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim affirmed this stance, emphasizing Malaysia's principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

Anwar stated that while Malaysia and Singapore enjoy strong bilateral relations that foster mutual development, the government respects the boundaries of each nation's domestic matters. He clarified that Malaysia typically does not request other countries to interfere in its electoral processes.

Instead of direct diplomatic requests to Singapore, the Malaysian government has focused on facilitating the voting process for its citizens working abroad. This involves informing companies and enterprises to provide flexibility for Malaysian workers to take time off to cast their ballots.

Anwar made these remarks in response to a supplementary question in the Dewan Rakyat regarding his willingness to contact Lawrence Wong to facilitate Malaysian workers in Singapore returning to vote. He reiterated that his government's approach is to inform employers, not to involve foreign governments in Malaysia's election logistics.