KUALA LUMPUR – The government must not just take public health considerations into account, but also consider constitutional aspects when deliberating on the possible Melaka snap election, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said his ministry has discussed the matter and would present its view to the cabinet.
However, he said any decisions on the matter would not only take into account health concerns but also the law and constitution.
“We will talk about it (Melaka by-elections) again at the next cabinet meeting, as it does not only involve health but the law and constitution.
“We will take note of the decision made by the cabinet, and the Health Ministry will prepare the standard operating procedures if the polls are to go on.”
On October 4, four Melaka assemblymen withdrew their support for Umno’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
These assemblymen were Datuk Seri Idris Haron (Sg Udang-Umno), Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor-Umno), Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu-Independent) and Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas-Bersatu).
This prompted Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam to dissolve the state assembly the next day, after receiving a letter from Sulaiman regarding his loss of confidence in the state's legislature.
Upon the dissolution, based on Article 19(4) of the state constitution, an election must be held within 60 days.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said it might be too early to hold state polls as a surge in Covid-19 cases could occur, similar to what happened after the Sabah polls last September. – The Vibes, October 7, 2021
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