Tertiary Students Given 5-Day Leave To Vote In GE15

Higher education director-general Husaini Omar said the 5-day leave allows students ample time to vote back home and return to resume their studies.

For illustration purposes

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In light of the upcoming 15^th general election (GE15), the higher education ministry has agreed to grant students in all higher learning institutions (IPTs) a five-day leave to return to their hometowns or constituencies to vote.

According to Free Malaysia Today, this was confirmed by higher education director-general Husaini Omar after a circular regarding the matter went viral online.

Based on the circular dated 21 October, students are given leave from 17 to 21 November so they have ample time to travel back home to vote and return to resume their studies.

During that period, all classes and student activities are to be postponed to another date.

Husaini added that the letter had been distributed to all public and private IPTs, including polytechnic and community college education departments.

He also said a media statement regarding this will be issued later.

There are more voters this time around due to Undi18. Image: TRP File.

Previously, there have been calls for the Election Commission to consider early or postal voting for tertiary students since they might be unable to take leave from classes.

However, certain parties said that it might not be enough time to organise postal voting for those in Sabah and Sarawak.

According to Malay Mail, the voting hours have also been extended by an hour, from 8am to 6pm in the peninsula and 7.30am to 5.30pm in Sabah and Sarawak.

The time extension was made to accommodate the increase in the number of voters due to Undi18 and improve efficiency in the polling process.

Under Undi18, Malaysians aged 18 and above are automatically registered as voters and are thus, eligible to vote.

GE15 will take place on 19 November, while nomination day falls on 5 November and early voting is set for 15 November.

READ MORE: EC Sets GE15 On 19 November

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