HULU SELANGOR: Abstaining from voting will not bring any benefit nor change anything, says Hannah Yeoh on calls by certain quarters to boycott the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

The Youth and Sports Minister said the right to vote has to be defended, adding that the youth can now exercise their democratic right through Undi18.

"Boycotting is unproductive. It is a passive and negative voice. When we want change, we have to use our right to vote.

"If we boycott and stay at home, it will not change anything," she told reporters here on Sunday (May 5).

She also called on youth voters living outside the constituency to come back and vote.

"For those who are in Kuala Lumpur, it's only about an hour's drive," added Yeoh.

This comes after several quarters called on Kuala Kubu Baharu voters to boycott the by-election.

Former Penang deputy chief minister II P. Ramasamy, who currently heads the United for the Rights of Malaysians party (Urimai), had also urged Indian voters to snub Pakatan Harapan in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

Ramasamy had previously said that Indian support would be tested in the constituency and urged Indian voters to demand better treatment from the government.

The by-election will be held on May 11, with early voting on Tuesday (May 7).

The seat fell vacant following the demise of assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong, 58, on March 21.

It will see a four-cornered fight involving Pakatan, Perikatan Nasional, Parti Rakyat Malaysia and an Independent candidate.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/05/kkb-polls-boycotting-the-ballot-box-unproductive-says-yeoh