MIRI – Politicians and their campaign teams will be banned from visiting houses, longhouses, shops, offices, or any other premises during the official campaigning period for the 12th Sarawak election expected soon.
This is one of the extremely tight conditions that the Election Commission (EC) has already laid out pertaining to the state polls, which is just around the corner.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) chief for Telang Usan Dennis Ngau confirmed this when contacted by The Vibes today.
PBB is a component of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
He said the EC has made known the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) during briefings with all the state agencies and those working for elected representatives.
“Yes, this total ban on political visits (during the period starting from nomination day to the end of balloting day) is already drawn up,” he said.
He described the restrictions as very drastic but necessary.
“It is something new in our state election history,” he said. “It will mean that we politicians will not be able to make physical contact with the voters.
“Under the present circumstances, considering the risks posed by Covid-19, I think the EC has no choice but to draw up such measures,” said Ngau, who is the state assemblyman for Telang Usan.
The EC is also looking into expanding the number of booths in polling stations and extending the time for casting votes, he said.
He added that every voter will be subjected to temperature screening, mandatory face mask usage, physical distancing, and other measures.
Asked if the setting down of the new election SOPs means that the state election will be called very soon, Ngau said the ruling GPS wants it now.
“Yes, we want it now,” he said.
Nevertheless, he said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will have the final say since there is a localised emergency imposed in Sarawak until February next year.
If the Agong lifts the emergency now, Chief minister and GPS chairman Datuk Abang Johari Openg will proceed with the official dissolution of the state assembly immediately, Ngau added.
GPS controls 68 of the 82 state constituencies in Sarawak. – The Vibes, November 2, 2021
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