Failure to explain Sabah’s electoral roll spike could erode confidence in EC, says Kurup

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah voters’ confidence towards the Election Commission (EC) could be eroded if they fail to provide a thorough explanation on the significant increase of new voters in the Sabah 2022 electoral roll, says Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

Party president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup urged the EC to hold a special briefing on this matter with all political parties and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state.

“If the explanation is not satisfactory, our side will refer the matter to our lawyers to be looked into so that legal action can be pursued,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 26).

Kurup was among the leaders in Sabah who have highlighted the need to look into the electoral roll as there was a 53.9% jump to 1,638,806 voters compared to 1,064,686 voters in the last general election.

“The EC has the responsibility to give a proper explanation to Sabah folk as many have questioned the significant increase if it only involves Undi18 (automatic registration of voters age 18 and above).

“If they fail to do so, it will only exasperate the people of Sabah and they will lose confidence towards the EC’s integrity in handling voter registration process and managing the country’s election process,” he said.