So, we finally have a date for polling day this upcoming 14th general election (GE14) – 9th May 2018, which falls on a Wednesday.
Of course, since a large number of schools nationwide (6,941 out of 10,200 schools to be exact) will be used as polling stations this election, it’s understandable that it be made a school holiday all over the country. However, since it falls on a working day, what about the adults? Can take leave ah?
Source: NST
Well, a lot of us working class Malaysians are wondering if we’d get leaves to cast our vote for GE14 but so far, there’s no word that there’d be any public holiday for us. Boohoo!
However, according to the Election Offences Act 1954, employers must give employees a reasonable amount of time away from work to vote on polling day, without pay deduction, or penalty.
So, my pay won’t be deducted?
Yes, according to the Election Offences Act 1954:
“Every employer shall, on polling day, allow to every elector in his employ a reasonable period for voting, and no employer shall make any deduction from the pay or other remuneration of any such elector or impose upon or exact from him any penalty by reason of his absence during such period.
Unfortunately, this “reasonable period” is not clearly defined – it could mean a few hours or one day. We’re guessing it’s up to the employer to decide!
Source: Enanyang
What if my boss is NOT giving me any leaves?
Well, if the employer fails to provide this reasonable time off, they can actually be fined up to RM5,000 or even be sentenced up to one year in prison. Item 25 (3) of this act states,
“Any employer who, directly or indirectly, refuses, or by intimidation, undue influence, or in any other manner, interferes with the granting to any elector in his employ, of a reasonable period for voting, as in this section provided, shall on summary conviction be liable to a fine of five thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for one year.”
So, now you know what’s within your rights as a working and voting citizen. Be sure to double check your polling district before the big day!
Also read: GE14 Polling Day on Wednesday 9th May, School Holiday Declared Nationwide
