KUALA LUMPUR – Issues concerning the Sarawak election, including on airfares during this period, will be deliberated in the Dewan Rakyat’s special chamber this evening.
This is after Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun passed a motion submitted by Dr Kelvin Yii (Bandar Kuching-PH) under the Standing Order 18(1).
In reading out the motion in the lower House today, Dr Yii said despite the country still being in the midst of a health pandemic, the Election Commission has yet to implement any reforms to make voting easier and safer, especially for voters residing outside of Sarawak.
He said flight fares on dates close to the state election have spiked considerably, hindering Sarawakians’ plans to return home to fulfil their responsibility.
“Reforms such as absentee voting – where people can vote from special centres in the main cities of Peninsular Malaysia, or through postal voting – must be implemented immediately.”
Dr Yii said the motion fulfils all three requirements under the Standing Order 18 for the matter to be discussed in the House – definite, urgent, and of public importance.
“It is definite as it requires an explanation (as to) why reforms have yet to take place, and how the government intends to lower fares of flight tickets. Secondly, the motion is urgent as the Sarawak election is around the corner, and any amendment to the law must be made immediately.
“Finally, the motion is of public importance as it will directly affect the upcoming polls.”
Dr Yii also wants to know if the government plans to reimpose an emergency, considering the emergence of the new Covid-19 Omicron variant.
Azhar said after examining the motion, he is satisfied that it is definite, urgent, and of public importance.
“As such, I will allow the motion to be deliberated at the special chamber today at 2.30pm.” – The Vibes, December 1, 2021
