Mustapha Sakmud
KOTA KINABALU (Oct 27): Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustapha Sakmud has urged universities to review their academic and convocation schedules to ensure Sabahan students studying in Peninsular Malaysia can return home to vote in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election on November 29.
Mustapha said the recent overlap between election dates, university convocations, and final examinations must be addressed promptly to prevent disenfranchising hundreds of Sabahan students studying nationwide.
“This latest development involving convocations and the examination season means I will be asking the Minister and the Department of Higher Education to re-evaluate the schedule, especially so that our university students — our young friends — can return home to vote and fulfil their responsibilities as voters,” he said.
He said this when met at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Sunday, responding to concerns raised by Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis over the clash between the Sabah 17th State Election and the final examination period for Polytechnic students as well as UiTM’s convocation ceremony.
Mustapha cited a similar situation involving Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), whose convocation date once conflicted with polling day.
“I personally requested the Vice-Chancellor to review the schedule, and it was brought forward. I hope other universities with large numbers of Sabahan students will also adjust their convocation and examination dates to enable young voters to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.
He also reiterated his call for the Election Commission (EC) to introduce postal voting for students, making it easier for them to participate in elections without logistical or financial burdens.
“I’ve raised this before. I remember observing how Indonesia conducted its election using a similar system where citizens could vote at designated centres. Perhaps this can be implemented here,” he suggested.
Mustapha added that such a mechanism would also benefit Malaysians living abroad and Sabahan voters residing in Peninsular Malaysia, who often face costly and challenging journeys to return home.
“This would not only safeguard their democratic rights but also encourage greater youth participation in the electoral process,” he said.
Isnaraissah had earlier expressed concern that the overlapping dates placed hundreds, if not thousands, of Sabah students in a difficult position.
“These students are being forced to choose between their academic commitments and their civic duty to vote. This should never happen,” she said.
She added that young people should be encouraged to participate in democracy, not hindered by institutional barriers.
“Obstacles like this, whether intentional or otherwise, send the wrong message and risk denying thousands of young Sabah voters their right to vote,” Isnaraissah said, urging the Higher Education Ministry and the Election Commission to act immediately to resolve the issue.
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