by Theleaders | July 8, 2026 6:05 pm
KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — A coalition of civil society groups today urged voters in Johor and Negri Sembilan to reject political apathy and cast their ballots in the upcoming state elections, warning that staying home would only undermine efforts to reform the country’s institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) president Ngan Teng Ye said the July 11 Johor and August 1 Negri Sembilan state polls would serve as an important test of public confidence in Malaysia’s democratic reforms.
“Over the past few years, our country has witnessed an increasingly fragmented political landscape, while institutional reforms have progressed slowly, with some even stalling altogether,” he said at a joint press conference here.
“This has contributed to the emergence of political fatigue among the people. Many voters, especially those working or studying away from home, have begun to believe that whether they vote or not, the outcome will make little difference because institutional reforms have yet to meet expectations.”
Ngan acknowledged the frustrations felt by many Malaysians but stressed that meaningful reforms could not be achieved overnight.
“Institutional reform is not something that can be accomplished within a short period. It requires continuous effort and gradual progress.
“If we choose not to vote at this crucial moment, we are not only giving up our right as citizens to determine the country’s direction, but we also risk allowing the political landscape to once again be dominated by narrow racial and religious politics,” he said.
The coalition launched a joint campaign titled Reject Political Apathy, Continue the Reform Agenda Through Voting to encourage voter turnout in both states.
Besides KLSCAH, the initiative is supported by Chinese organisations as well as civil society groups including Bersih, Dong Zong, IKRAM and Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), among others.
The groups also called on employers, particularly in the Klang Valley where many Johor and Negri Sembilan natives work, to grant employees reasonable leave to return home to vote.
“We urge companies and employers in the Klang Valley to provide special leave or reasonable flexibility for workers who wish to return home to fulfil their civic responsibility,” the coalition said in a joint statement.
The coalition also condemned attempts to win votes by exploiting race or religion, launching personal attacks or spreading hatred during the election campaign.
Instead, it urged political parties and candidates to focus on policies, good governance, economic development, equitable distribution of resources and accountable state administration.
“We support candidates who uphold the values of democracy, pluralism, moderation, openness, secularism, progress, fiscal responsibility and good governance,” Ngan said.
The coalition said its joint declaration has received the support of 134 Chinese associations nationwide, while welcoming participation from organisations across different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Ngan said democracy and institutional reform were national issues that transcended any one community.
“We hope this cross-community cooperation will foster greater understanding among Malaysians and encourage more people to fulfil their civic duty by voting,” he said.
Dong Zong president Datuk Tan Yew Sing said Malaysia’s current economic climate was better than it had been a few years ago.
However, he warned against complacency and neglecting the responsibility to vote.
“I feel these two upcoming elections will have large implications for the next general election. So irrespective of who you want to vote for, urging the younger generation to return and vote is more important than ever.
“With GE coming soon, we must vote so our upward trend in economic growth can continue and whichever government is in can have the power to continue our vision of reformasi,” he said.
Bersih chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said voter turnout in Johor was only 54 per cent at the last state election. He warned that if turnout in the upcoming election were even lower, the government formed afterwards would lack a strong foundation.
“I urge those with grievances to amplify your voices by voting and not take to social media alone.
“As for those aged 18 who aren’t sure which party to vote for, you must still vote or you’re letting others decide your fate,” he said.
“Many Johoreans live outside Johor, but please show your enthusiasm and return to vote or these politicians will dismiss your concerns. Be it work, financial or other concerns, try not to use work as an excuse not to go back and vote and show the politicians that you are significant,” he added.
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