KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya will consider drafting new laws governing elections held amid a pandemic only if the people continue flouting health and safety measures, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
“If we look at the data, a Covid-19 spike will happen whenever there’s a mass gathering. Elections will result in mass gatherings,” said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof.
“But, to conduct elections is under the purview of the Election Commission, not the government.
“However, if the people continue to disregard the new norm, then the government will mull formulating such laws.”
He was responding to Jelebu MP Datuk Jalaluddin Alias, who asked if the government will come up with fresh legislation to do away with or shorten the election campaign period during the Covid-19 crisis.
The September 26 Sabah polls led to the country’s third coronavirus wave, raising concerns about the December 5 Batu Sapi by-election. – The Vibes, November 2, 2020
