Govt considering special holiday on GE eve

The government is considering declaring a special holiday on the eve of polling for the 15th general election to make it easier for voters to travel, says Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. 

He said the matter had been discussed before, following the dissolution of Parliament on Oct 10.

"We will study (the proposal). We discussed it after the dissolution. God willing, just wait for an important announcement from me, and maybe more," he said.

The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) had asked the government to declare Nov 18 a special public holiday to facilitate travel for Malaysians to their voting locations on Nov 19.

Cuepacs president Adnan Mat said although polling day falls on a Saturday, an additional rest day was required as many Malaysians do not vote in the location where they work.