EC launches online voter registration portal
Thursday, 18 Jul 201911:15 AM MYT
by joseph kaos jr and jo timbuong
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians can now register to vote online through the newly launched MySPR Daftar portal.
All they need is Internet access on their computer or mobile phone, a valid mobile phone number and email address, the front image of their MyKad and a selfie with their Mykad.
They then need to apply for a user account on the SPR website https://mysprdaftar.spr.gov.my and fill up a form to register as a voter.
The portal was launched by Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong at the Election Commission's "Make a Change Let's Do it Together" forum here on Thursday (July 18).
"We need to keep up with technology trends, and nowadays youths want simple solutions where they can register anywhere whether on their phones or tablet.
"Many transactions such as shopping and banking are done online, and they have proven this saves time compared to conventional methods," he said.
Azhar also said automatic registration of voters could happen by 2021.
He explained that while the Dewan Rakyat had just passed the amendment bill to allow automatic registration, the process to implement it would take some time.
"It will be challenging for sure, but we are up to it, and now that we have 100% support from Parliament, as well as NGOs.
"The date when automatic registration will take effect will be decided. We will have engagement sessions with all stakeholders, and from these engagements we can gauge when we can implement this.
"If I were to make a 'guesstimate', it would take a year and a half," said Azhar.
On Tuesday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2019, which sought to do three things – allow automatic registration of voters, reduce the minimum voting age to 18, and allow 18-year-olds to contest elections.
The 15th General Election is due in 2023 while the Sarawak state election must be held by 2021.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/18/ec-launches-online-voter-registration-portal/#td3t5bpgDFgmHWVX.99
