KOTA KINABALU – Covid-19 cannot be used as an excuse to cancel or postpone the Batu Sapi by-election, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The senior minister, in his daily update on coronavirus-related security matters today, said citizens’ right to vote is guaranteed under the federal constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, and the Election Commission is in the midst of preparing health and safety standard operating procedures for the December 5 polls.
“The by-election in Sabah’s Batu Sapi will go on. The government has no power to postpone or cancel it.
“We understand the concerns. Many Batu Sapi folk are scared, and I was made to understand that EC officials are also concerned.
“But, we will call the EC either tomorrow or the day after to present the right SOPs to ensure the virus does not spread.”
He reiterated that an election must be called within 60 days of a seat being declared vacant, or Parliament or the state assembly’s dissolution.
Batu Sapi was declared vacant following MP Datuk Liew Vui Keong’s death on October 2.
The EC has said all campaign activities for the upcoming vote must be conducted online or through the post. – The Vibes, October 27, 2020
