• Home
  • Metro Asian News
  • Misc Asia
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Art
  • Health
  • Eat Out
  • Events
  • Podcasts
ABOUT
Advertise in GAT
Contact us
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Georgia Asian Times
International Insurance of Georgia
  • Home
  • Metro Asian News
  • Misc Asia
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Art
  • Health
  • Eat Out
  • Events
  • Podcasts
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Metro Asian News
  • Misc Asia
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Art
  • Health
  • Eat Out
  • Events
  • Podcasts
No Result
View All Result
Georgia Asian Times
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Metro Asian News
  • Misc Asia
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Art
  • Health
  • Eat Out
  • Events
  • Podcasts
Home Misc Asia

‘Go home to vote’: Malaysian Twitter users, firms offer to pay travel costs

Georgia Asian Times by Georgia Asian Times
April 10, 2018
in Misc Asia
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Kuala Lumpur, April 10, 2018 – With a general election called for midweek on May 9, Malaysians took to social media on Tuesday to offer funding to help people return to their home towns to vote, while some companies offered employees days off.

The election could prove to be the toughest test of the ruling coalition’s 61-year grip on power, with embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak under pressure to deliver an emphatic win.

Najib is struggling to appease Malaysians unhappy with rising costs and a multi-billion dollar scandal at a state fund he founded.

The 64-year-old leader is expected to retain power, but analysts predict a tough fight from his old mentor and the country’s most seasoned campaigner, former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is a spry 92.

AD: High Museum of Atlanta AD: High Museum of Atlanta

Opposition leaders and rights activists said the Wednesday polling date would probably dent voter turnout and benefit the ruling Barisan Nasional.

The government has not yet called a public holiday on what will be Malaysia’s first weekday poll in nearly two decades.

Several Twitter users stepped up, saying they had set aside funds ranging from 150 ringgit ($39) to 1,000 ringgit ($259) to pay for flights or bus rides home for those needing assistance, and many offered carpool rides.

“I am seeing total strangers offering help to fellow Malaysians to go home and vote. No one shall deny our right to vote!” wrote a user with the handle @Klubbkiddkl, who started a hashtag to connect those in need.

The hashtag #PulangMengundi, or ‘Go home to vote’, was trending by late afternoon.

Several companies said they would let staff take time off, and some offered to cover employees’ travel costs.

“We will definitely give the voting day off, and for staff who have to travel, we will allow remote working,” said Mellissa Lee, the head of email marketing platform GetResponse Malaysia.

Google Malaysia will be supportive of any staff seeking time out to vote, spokesman Zeffri Yusof told Reuters.

Shekhinah PR, a sports public relations firm, also offered to defray travel costs.

“To lessen the financial burden of the staff, the management will meet the costs of their travel expenses (petrol and toll charges),” Chief Executive Christopher Raj said on Facebook.

The opposition has said it expects the election to be unfair, after parliament approved plans to redraw electoral boundaries and pushed through an anti-fake news bill, changes critics say will favor Najib.

The government and election authorities have rejected these accusations. – Reuters

Previous Post

Asian-Americans see the biggest gains in buying power, according to latest UGA report

Next Post

China’s Xi renews pledges to open economy, cut tariffs this year as U.S. trade row deepens

Georgia Asian Times

Georgia Asian Times

Related Posts

North Korea spy satellite launch fails as rocket falls into the sea
Misc Asia

North Korea spy satellite launch fails as rocket falls into the sea

May 31, 2023
New Chinese ambassador to US taking office amid disputes over trade, access to technology, Taiwan
Misc Asia

New Chinese ambassador to US taking office amid disputes over trade, access to technology, Taiwan

May 24, 2023
Thailand’s victorious progressive Move Forward Party, 7 allies agree on coalition platform
Misc Asia

Thailand’s victorious progressive Move Forward Party, 7 allies agree on coalition platform

May 23, 2023
South Korea to send 21-member team to Japan to review discharge plans at Fukushima nuclear plant
Misc Asia

South Korea to send 21-member team to Japan to review discharge plans at Fukushima nuclear plant

May 19, 2023
Thailand’s opposition parties, after stunning election win, set plans to enlist allies to take power
Misc Asia

Thailand’s opposition parties, after stunning election win, set plans to enlist allies to take power

May 15, 2023
ASEAN leaders condemn attack on aid convoy in Myanmar
Misc Asia

ASEAN leaders condemn attack on aid convoy in Myanmar

May 10, 2023
Next Post

China's Xi renews pledges to open economy, cut tariffs this year as U.S. trade row deepens

Signup Free E-Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Jul 14
6:00 pm - 10:30 pm

GAT 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia 2023

View Calendar
Logo

 

CONTACT US

Follow Us

MOST INFLUENTIAL

2023 GAT 25 Most Influential Asian American Pacific Islanders in Georgia

2023 GAT 25 Most Influential Asian American Pacific Islanders in Georgia

April 30, 2023
GAT 25 Most Influential Asian Americans Gala celebrates Asian voice

GAT 25 Most Influential Asian Americans Gala celebrates Asian voice

July 18, 2022

Video highlights of GAT 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia

July 17, 2022

LINKS OF INTEREST

ATL Asian Film Festival

     

GAT AAPI SUMMIT 2023

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise in GAT
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© 2023 Georgia Asian Times - Empowered by 8SOL. Managed by Arckopolis.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Metro Asian News
  • Misc Asia
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Art
  • Health
  • Eat Out
  • Events
  • Podcasts

© 2023 Georgia Asian Times - Empowered by 8SOL. Managed by Arckopolis.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Google
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

  • Honoree

    $225.00
    Select
  • Single Seat

    $250.00
    Select
  • Table of 8

    $2,000.00
    Select

Subscribe

Stay ahead of the curve with Georgia Asian Times’ exclusive newsletter. Get the hottest news stories and cultural insights delivered straight to your inbox. No subscription fees, just pure Asian excellence

 

    Loading
    Loading
    Loading
    Loading
    Loading
    Register for FREE to read the rest of this article, or log in to your account.

      Or Login Here :

      [loginfrm]

      Are you sure want to unlock this post?
      Unlock left : 0
      Are you sure want to cancel subscription?