KUCHING – Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii is urging the Election Commission (EC) to expedite necessary reforms to ensure a safer election process and implement them even before the upcoming Sarawak election.
DAP’s Yii says a failure to do so would mean that EC has failed not only to prioritise the safety and protection of the people during the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to uphold the fundamental democratic principle by not removing obstacles so the people can vote.
“This is in view of Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg’s intention to seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to discuss the timing of the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, which is due to automatically dissolve on June 6.
“However, we are currently in a nationwide state of emergency until August 1, where elections, Parliament and state assemblies have been suspended,” he noted in a statement.
He took EC to task for failing to implement the lowering of voting age to 18 (Undi18) and automatic registration in the promised time frame, and also failing to implement necessary reforms to ensure a safer pandemic-time voting process.
He pointed out that while it is also stated that a state election is not a priority anytime soon, it is important that such discussions consider the importance of having the right electoral reforms and safeguards in place to protect the people even before deciding on a date and time for the poll.
“I have been consistent with the stand that we should not be having an election during this period, and priority should be given to controlling the pandemic and uplifting the people’s economy.”
Election Commission late to the game
“The fact of the matter is, having a conventional general election this year would be disastrous.
“So, while the state has set August as a target to vaccinate 80% of the population, I have my doubts due to the low rate of registration for vaccination among the population, low vaccine supply, as well as up to 20% of our population being below 18 years old – a group currently contraindicated in taking the vaccine.
“Either way, we should not be looking at an election until most of the population is immunised and the required electoral reforms have been implemented to give voters some form of protection during the polling process, especially for the high-risk groups.
“That is why EC, which has had more than a year to prepare since the start of the pandemic, has clearly failed to take proactive steps and reforms to ensure a ‘safe pandemic voting process’ even with full knowledge that the Sarawak election is due this year.”
Yii said EC should have looked into certain adjustments and procedural reforms, especially in implementing the necessary safety SOPs, including absentee voting or extending postal voting to either vulnerable populations or those working or studying outside their home states, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said absentee or postal voting will make it easier for voters residing in other states to vote, instead of them having to return home and causing a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, like what happened in Sabah.
“I strongly believe that in view of the pandemic, it is EC’s duty to make it as convenient and safe as possible for voters to cast their ballots. Any inconvenience imposed on voters either directly or indirectly through unnecessary regulations or unavailability of facilities can be construed as a suppression of the fundamental rights of a voter.
“Such reforms are important not just for the pandemic, but also to encourage higher voter participation, including among young people, especially for elections held in Sabah and Sarawak. Many Malaysians, including Sabahans and Sarawakians, are compelled to find jobs far from their homes due to unequal economic development among the states.”
According to him, it is estimated that up to 20% of eligible Sabahan and Sarawakian voters are living and working in Peninsular Malaysia, and a good number of citizens from the peninsula are doing likewise in Sabah and Sarawak. – The Vibes, May 17, 2021
