PETALING JAYA: From “Uncle Kentang” to “Cleopatra” and even “Choy San Yeh” (God of Prosperity), Malaysia’s ballot papers have seen their fair share of colourful names.
In the 2022 general election, social activist Kuan Chee Heng famously contested the Puchong parliamentary seat under the moniker “Uncle Kentang” – a name that was officially printed on the ballot paper.
“Yes, the name Uncle Kentang was on the ballot paper after I had applied for it. They verify your identity with the MyKad,” he said.
Under the Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981, candidates are allowed to choose the name they wish to have printed on the ballot.
What About Voters with Unusual Names?
Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said such names are not uncommon in Malaysia’s diverse society.
“The presence of names that sound foreign, unique, or unconventional does not necessarily indicate irregularities,” he said.
He added that names such as Burit, Jalang, Bodoh, Kuda, and Timun have appeared in the electoral roll and are recognised as valid entries.
"Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural nation. Our citizens include indigenous communities that have complex or unique tribal names.
“There are also Malaysians of mixed or foreign parentage whose names reflect different linguistic backgrounds, as well as naturalised citizens who lawfully obtained citizenship through marriage or long-term residence.”
Khairul Shahril said verification is anchored firmly on the MyKad system maintained by the National Registration Department (NRD), which is cross-checked against the electoral roll and made available for public scrutiny during display periods. Voters may also raise objections if they find discrepancies within the stipulated timeframe.
“If the MyKad number matches NRD records, it is deemed legitimate, even if the name appears unusual,” he said.
He added that cases involving deceased voters require official confirmation through death registration before removal from the roll.
Former EC chairman Tan Sri Ab Rashid Ab Rahman said the process remains straightforward despite unusual names.
“As long as the person has a valid MyKad and the name matches the electoral roll, we do not question it. If there is a slight discrepancy, the voter may be asked to sign a declaration before being issued the ballot paper,” he explained.