GE15: UMS ready to allow students return home to vote

KOTA KINABALU - Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is prepared to give special leave for its students to return home to vote in the 15th General Election (GE15).

Vice Chancellor Professor Datuk Kasim Mansor said UMS encouraged all students to fulfil their responsibility as Malaysian citizens, thus enabling the total voter turnout to increase.

"However, there has been no discussion regarding the transportation facilities and logistics at the moment since it involves high costs reaching millions of ringgit.

"We are prepared to give them space or a holiday for them to return home to vote in their respective areas," he told reporters after a courtesy visit to the Yang di-Pertua of Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at Istana Seri Kinabalu, here, on Wednesday.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Rasid Mail, Student and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Alumni Affairs) Professor Madya Raman Noordin, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Ir Dr Rosalam Sarbatly and registrar Luqman Ridha Anwar.

Kasim said UMS was always prepared to give their academic views through existing experts who were prepared regarding the situation in GE15.

"As an institute of higher education, we offer views based on scientific and principled analysis without choosing sides," he said.

Previously, during the visit Kasim informed Tun Juhar about the registration of new students and invited him to attend the UMS Researcher Awards Ceremony on Thursday and the 24th Convocation Ceremony which will take place from Dec 10 to Dec 12.