KUCHING – Voters should still wear masks when they come to polling centres for the 15th general election (GE15) even though the mask mandate for indoor spaces is no longer in place, Bandar Kuching incumbent MP Dr Kelvin Yii said.
This is considering the emergence of the new XBB Covid-19 variant, the spiking of infections in Singapore, and the detection of the XBB variant in the country, he said after an election forum here last night.
It is better for voters to mask up, he said, noting that the Singaporean authorities are discussing the implementation of masking again.
“I was informed that those who are Covid-19 positive will be allowed to vote according to the Election Commission (EC). They will be provided special rooms and a controlled environment to cast their vote.
“The EC and the Health Ministry are working together to provide a safe and conducive environment for voters during the polls. I too have raised the idea of postal voting to make it safe during the polls,” he said.
Dr Yii, who headed a parliamentary select committee on health in Parliament’s last term before its dissolution, said this after a Pakatan Harapan (PH) session with Sarawak youth here.
Other speakers at the event included DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen, Sarawak Amanah Negara chairman Abang Halil Abang Naili and Pending state rep Violet Yong.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also slated to speak but he cancelled his slot due to the passing of his mother-in-law yesterday morning.
On another matter, Dr Yii said the decision by the state DAP machinery to use the party’s rocket logo instead of the PH livery was because Sarawakian voters recognise the rocket symbol and are very familiar with it.
“Sarawak DAP has certain autonomy when it comes to deciding on matters pertaining to candidates, negotiating with other coalitions, and the use of logos.
The Sarawak PH coalition includes DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, and Parti Amanah Negara. – The Vibes, October 25, 2022
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