Subsidise flight ticket prices for Sarawakians to vote in polls, govt urged

Subsidise flight ticket prices for Sarawakians to vote in polls, govt urged

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii says this has been done before during the last general election.

By lowering ticket prices, more Sarawakians can fulfil their obligation to vote in the Dec 18 elections, says Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has urged the federal and state governments to subsidise flight ticket prices for Sarawakians to return home to vote in the state elections.

He said this would help to ensure greater participation by Sarawakians in the election process.

“I propose that flight tickets to and from Sarawak as well as within Sarawak be offered at an affordable flat rate three days before and three days after the elections on Dec 18,” he said in a statement.

Yii said such prices should be offered for a few flights to cater to the demand and should not be limited to a few seats.

He said this has been done before during the 14th general election.

“An election is a celebration of democracy and it is the constitutional right of every eligible citizen. No one should be left out,” he said.

Yii said that despite Sarawak transport minister Lee Kim Shin’s announcement that flights to the state will be increased from 223 to 307 weekly, prices during the time of elections were still high.

He said this might serve as a deterrent for many to return home to vote.

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