Despite voter fatigue, turnout was acceptable, say experts

SHAH ALAM: Was the voter turnout in six states really that low?

Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia Principal Adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said the voter turnout may not have been low.

"I am not convinced that voter turnout was as low as anticipated; I believe that most states saw a turnout of up to 60, and sometimes even 65 per cent."

“Even in a general election nowadays, voter turnout is no more than 70 per cent,” Oh told Sinar Daily.

State election in six states took place yesterday

He said there was also political fatigue within voters but as the country moves forward into a more mature democracy, people simply do not want to vote as frequently. He was referring to general elections last November followed by state elections in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“In countries such as US and the UK, voting turnout might be as low as 50 per cent. I believe that this is how we evolve as a democracy; it may seem counter-intuitive, but it is usually the case,” said Oh.

"I believe that in the next general election, the voting rate will be around 70 per cent."

Echoing with Oh’s statement, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) associate professor of political Science Dr Syaza Shukri also shared the same views.

"I do not believe the voter turnout was low; in fact, it was higher than expected for a state election."

“However, there's definitely an element of fatigue among the people given that the state election was too close to the 15th general elections held last Nov,” Syaza told Sinar Daily.

“If these governments can remain, I believe voter turnout will exceed 75 per cent when we hold elections again in 2027.”