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KOTA KINABALU: Amid the increase in Covid-19 cases, Batu Sapi voters want a safer way to hold the Dec. 5 by-elections following the death of Rep. Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
Retired official Thomas Lau said the government or the Electoral Commission (EC) should consider delaying the date.
“Look at the Covid-19 cases. Nobody is happy with this situation and now we have by-elections, ”he said.
“Can the EC delay the by-elections for a few more months? Is there a way to look at the legal aspects and take into account the safety of the community? ” I ask.
Lau, 71, suggested that an online voting system be used or that Liew’s party keep the position vacant.
“Our economy is already suffering a lot, do you want to make it worse?” I ask.
Contractor Syed Omar Daud, 49, also said the EC should consider postponing the by-elections for at least another month.
He said the growing number of Covid-19 cases was concerning.
“This is our security, our lives and the community that we are talking about. I believe that the by-elections can continue. It’s just the timing and mechanism that we have to be very careful with, ”Syed said.
Official Siddek Kassim, 62, said authorities should consider postponing it to a later date so they can make better preparations regarding standard operating procedure (SOP) and mechanisms.
“I feel like at this rate, our lives are already too vulnerable,” he said.
“Can we try voting online? If not, what are the standard operating procedures that need to be adjusted? What kinds of mechanisms can be established to prevent contact and prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus? “, I ask.
Siddek also suggested that the campaigns only run online and through other social media platforms.
“Don’t go to the ground to campaign. We need to make sure there is no room for the situation to get worse, ”he said.
Batu Sapi’s parliamentary seat was declared vacant following the death of his deputy Datuk Liew Vui Keong of Parti Warisan Sabah on 2 October.
It is believed that he died due to a lung infection.
Then, the Electoral Commission declared November 23 as the day of nominations, set December 1 for early elections and December 5 for by-elections.
So far, Barisan Nasional, SAPP, Sabah STAR, Parti Cinta Sabah and Sabah Pakatan, which comprise PKR, DAP and Amanah, have decided not to participate in the Batu Sapi by-elections.
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