MELAKA – Candidates tested positive for Covid-19 will not be prevented from contesting in the Melaka election this time, said Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh.
However, he said candidates’ nomination papers should be submitted by the allocated time through their proposers or seconders.
“There is no problem for them (candidates) to contest, as long as they submit the nomination forms on time,” he told Bernama at Menara Persekutuan here today.
He said Covid-19 screening for candidates is not mandatory but encouraged.
Meanwhile, Ghani said in ensuring a smooth nomination process, the EC has also set up special tents at nomination centres should a candidate turns up with Covid-19 symptoms on the day.
“This tent will be managed by the Health Ministry (MoH) and EC personnel.
“At the main entrance of nomination centres, candidates’ body temperature will be checked and if the reading is above 37.5°C, they will be directed to the tent,” said Ghani.
He said checking and submission of candidates’ nomination forms will be managed by EC officers on duty at the tents.
Some 12,900 workers from various agencies, including the MoH, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the local authorities will be involved in this state election.
“Of the number, 1,460 are PDRM officers and 806 are MoH staff.
“We hope all supporters of contesting political parties will not gather or hold a procession near nomination centres area and abide by all standard operating procedures,” he added. – Bernama, November 7, 2021
