KUALA LUMPUR: The Vote Wisely team celebrates today’s landmark court victory of the 40% claim case led by the Sabah Law Society (SLS) — a defining moment that reaffirms Sabah’s constitutional rights and the indomitable spirit of its people.
The perseverance of SLS shows that when Sabahans stand together for what is right, change is possible.
In the same spirit of justice and unity, and with the 17th Sabah State Election drawing near, Angie S. Chin from the Vote Wisely campaign — representing the voices of Sabahans working and studying in Semenanjung — calls upon the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) to introduce a new postal voting category that allows Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia to vote without the financial and logistical strain of flying home.
“Every Sabahan deserves the right to decide the future of our homeland — regardless of where we live. When distance and airfare become barriers, democracy suffers,” said Angie.
“SPR must act now to make voting easier, not harder. Protecting the right to vote is not just a procedural matter — it’s a moral duty to ensure every Sabahan’s voice is heard.”
The Vote Wisely team has also launched an official petition urging SPR to take immediate action on this concern. The public is encouraged to sign and support the petition here: https://c.org/n659HrNM6W
At the same time, Vote Wisely is calling on all airlines operating between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah to avoid fare hikes at least two weeks before polling day, and to consider offering special discounted return fares for Sabahan voters.
“Voting should never be a privilege limited by money. SPR and the airlines still have time to show leadership, empathy, and commitment to democracy by making it easier for Sabahans to return home and vote,” Angie emphasized.
This call is about more than convenience — it is about defending equality, inclusion, and the right of every Sabahan to participate in shaping their state’s future.
With SLS’s victory as proof that persistence can move mountains, Vote Wisely reminds all institutions that true democracy thrives only when participation is accessible to all.
“Sabah’s story has always been one of resilience and hope. Let that same spirit guide us now — by ensuring every Sabahan, wherever they may be, can cast their vote freely and fairly,” Angie added.
