Malaysia may one day vote online, EC says trust and security top priorities

PETALING JAYA, Aug 14 — The Election Commission (EC) in Malaysia has not dismissed the idea of potentially introducing online or electronic voting in the future, according to a report by Berita Harian (BH). EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun stated that the proposal would necessitate extensive examination, especially concerning public trust and confidence in the system.

He outlined several crucial factors that would need to be taken into account, such as cybersecurity, the integrity of the electoral process, ballot secrecy, infrastructure preparedness, and potential legislative changes. The EC is actively exploring the feasibility of implementing e-voting before its eventual introduction in Malaysia.

These considerations include reviewing the experiences of other nations, ongoing technological advancements, system security and integrity, as well as the readiness of the public. General elections are scheduled when either Parliament or a state assembly is dissolved, while by-elections occur to fill unexpected vacancies. On polling day, registered voters are required to cast their ballots at designated centers, with voting hours ranging from 8am to 6pm in Peninsular Malaysia, and from 7:30am to 5:30pm in Sabah and Sarawak.