Objected voter applications
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1. Why applications get rejected
Applications can get rejected through public objection. Anyone can file an objection against your voter registration once it appears in the electoral roll. Your registration can be rejected based on:
- your address not being current or valid
- whether you've passed away
- whether you've broken any election laws
Due to the loose nature of the process, there can be times where voters are objected for no reason. This is becoming more common.
2. What to do next
First, check the Election Commission electoral roll to see whether you're a pengundi ragu (suspicious voter).
Take a snapshot of the window and call the Election Commission as quickly as possible. Ask when your hearing is going to be held, and if you can ask a representative to act in your behalf.
Talk to a lawyer, NGO or community legal centre on your legal rights when your registration is objected to. They can give specific advice on your case and provide more detailed information on the objection process.
You must respond to the objection by:
- attending a voter registration inquiry
- having an Election Commission officer approve your application
If you do not respond to the objection, your application is cancelled and you'll have to register again.
3. Things you need
You will need to appoint a representative to act on your behalf. This may be a family or a trusted friend. This representative should have stayed with you at the Malaysian address where you registered to vote.
Then, make sure your representative has a copy of your:
- MyKad or MyTentera
- student visa
- latest utility bill for your Malaysian address (this needs to have your representative's name)
- objection letter from the Election Commission
Write and sign a letter stating how long you've lived at your Malaysian address. Have your representative counter-sign it as a witness.
4. At the hearing
A hearing for your registration will be set at a specific location, date and time. Do not be late to these hearings as it can be considered as failure to show up for your hearing. Wear decent clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
The hearing will be presided by a judge. You or your representative, as well as your objector argues the case for and against your registration. Evidence is then presented to the judge to prove the case.
The judge then decides on a verdict based on the burden of proof (evidence) available. If the judge rules in the voter's favour, your application is approved and added to the electoral roll. You may also be eligible for compensation from the objector. If the judge rules in the objector's favour, your registration will be cancelled.
