KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry had barred physical activities related to the Melaka election after seeing a number of large gatherings being conducted by political parties that risk a surge in Covid-19 infections.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein noted that those who attended the political events in the past week had also ignored government standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
He said it is pertinent that the country’s efforts and response against Covid-19 are not affected by a state election.
“I believe the Health Ministry made the decision (to bar physical activities) based on what has been happening within the past few days, where we witnessed many congregations and gatherings.
“Although they are considered social events – allowed under Phase 4 of the NRP – they are also related to the election,” he said at a press conference in Parliament today.
“They (gatherings) involved a large number of people with more than the allowed 50% capacity, many were not wearing face masks, and social distancing was not observed. This is a trend we cannot allow at the moment.”
Hishammuddin was asked to comment on concerns raised by the opposition on the government’s decision to bar physical activities related to the Melaka polls, which takes effect from yesterday until November 27.
Earlier today, PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had sought assurance that there will not be double standards in SOP enforcement, expressing his fear that government politicians and parties will be allowed to conduct physical programmes under the pretext of “government official events”.
Melaka will head to the polls on November 20, with November 8 set for nomination day.
Elaborating further on the physical gathering ban, Hishammuddin said the Health Ministry acted in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 in ensuring public health and safety.
He noted that the Election Commission may only be responsible for the conduct of the state election from November 8, when nomination is held.
“We need to ensure there will be no issues that could incite public anger towards politicians and political parties.
“It will be awkward if the SOPs before November 8 are loose, but during the election period, they are tight,” he said.
On worries that the government will conduct campaigns on the pretence of “official events”, which is allowed under Phase 4 of the NRP, Hishammuddin said any election-related matter applies to all political parties.
“Fair action must be taken to ensure the public doesn’t accuse us of double standards while we enforce and monitor the SOPs.” – The Vibes, October 26, 2021
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