In the interest of democracy, Monday, March 22, should be declared a public holiday, as many Malaysians will have to balik kampung to cast their votes on Sunday, March 21 to choose their representatives to the Parliament and the state legislative assemblies.

If the following day is a public holiday, it will definitely help. Furthermore, the coming Monday will be first day after a week-long school break. Think of the traffic jams all over the country if people are forced to rush back to work and school on Monday.

Furthermore, many conscientious Malaysians will also be involved as polling and counting agents for various candidates all over the country and this is a full day's work. Many will also be involved as Election Commission workers on polling Sunday.

It will therefore be a most tiring Sunday, and the caretaker government should declare Monday a public holiday. The announcement should be made as soon as possible.