The Election Commission (EC) has distributed a total of 73 postal ballot papers for the Jepak state by-election on November 4. This includes eligible electors such as police personnel. The EC secretary, Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak, stated that the postal ballot papers were issued by election officers appointed by the Returning Officer on October 23. As a result, there will be no early voting centers opening on October 31.
Ikmalrudin clarified that the postal ballot papers comprised 70 Category 1A (election officers and police personnel), one for Category 1B (Malaysians residing abroad), and two for Category 1C (agencies and organizations). The issuance of these papers was conducted in the presence of postal ballot agents from all the contesting candidates.
All postal voters were reminded by Ikmalrudin to mark the ballot paper, complete and accurately fill in the identity declaration form (Form 2), and promptly return them to the relevant Returning Officer before 5 pm on November 4, which is the polling day. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of votes and advised voters not to take photos of postal ballot papers or share them on social media platforms.
The Jepak by-election will witness a three-cornered contest among Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Iskandar Turkee, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang, and Chieng Lea Phing from the Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi). The by-election became necessary after the passing of the GPS incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on September 15. – Bernama
