WE do not need emergency to stop elections, which do not have to be a Covid-19 hazard. Proclamation of emergency under Article 150(1) is to protect security, economic life and public order.
The prime minister’s job security is not one of them. Emergency will drive our economy into a worse recession. We need to protect millions of jobs, not protect one man’s job and endanger millions.
Uneventful by-elections do not contribute to the surge in Covid-19 cases. Chini and Slim by-elections are perfect examples. If Bersatu stays out in the Batu Sapi polls, like how Pakatan Harapan (PH) stayed out in the Chini polls, then even if some minor parties or independent candidates take part, the by-election will be a non-event.
Sarawak state election can be held latest on August 5 (which vaccines are expected to be available) because the state assembly’s full term ends on June 6. If Gabungan Parti Sarawak serves a full term, why do we need an emergency rule for 10 months?
Even national elections do not necessarily cause a surge in Covid-19 cases – South Korea, Singapore and the latest New Zealand are the best examples. We just need three things:
(a) Extensive facilities for absentee voting – early, postal and distant – to reduce the crowd size on polling and also cross-state and cross-district travelling.
(b) Televised party leaders’ debate and free radio/TV airtime for all candidates in all constituencies to replace rallies and door to door canvassing.
(c) rigorous enforcement of SOP for VVIPs. – The Vibes, November 1, 2020
Prof Wong Chin Huat is a political scientist
