KUALA LUMPUR – Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has assured voters that the government will not stop them from going to vote for next month's Batu Sapi election.
He said the government has no powers to do so, in response to a question on whether the government planned to bar voters from returning in order to prevent an explosion in Covid-19 cases, like what happened shortly following the Sabah state polls on September 26.
The National Security Council (NSC) will, however, work with the Election Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Health in coming out with more stringent standard operating procedures (SOP) for the December 5 election.
“When we have finalised the SOPs, the EC will announced them. But if I am allowed to, I will announce it on their behalf,” said Ismail at his daily Covid-19 update today.
The Batu Sapi election was triggered following the death of its parliamentarian Datuk Liew Viu Keong on October 2.
Ismail also pointed out that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has put the government in a bind vis-à-vis elections as the right to vote is enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the government must in fact make it easy for Malaysians to vote.
“However, we are also worried that those who have traveled between states and districts might end up infecting others when they return from Batu Sapi.
“But if we were too strict, then it can be construed as an attempt to stifle their rights and they can take the government to court,” Ismail added.
At today’s update, Ismail also announced the imposition of a enhanced movement control order (EMCO) on Johor Baru’s Health Ministry Training Institute, starting from tomorrow to November 16.
The EMCOs at Kepayan Prison and the Prison Quarters in Taman Mat Salleh, Kg Matambai were also extended to November 16.
However, the EMCO for Kg Saguking Laut and Kg Sebor Laut, Labuan, will end tomorrow, as had been scheduled. – The Vibes, November 2, 2020
