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PETALING JAYA: Imposing a political blockade appears to be the only way to escape the holding of the Batu Sapi by-elections and Sarawak state elections in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, says Tan Sri Annuar Musa (Photo).
The Barisan Nasional general secretary said this explains why the proposed political emergency is at stake.
However, Annuar is opening the word for expert comment on how best to protect the rakyat against Covid-19 amid the political impasse.
“What other laws can be applied to postpone the elections to ensure that Covid-19 is contained and no longer poses a threat to the public?
“To my friends who are constitutional experts, please help me find an answer to the concerns below, which are related to public fears about Covid-19 broadcasts,” he said in a statement.
Annuar noted that Batu Sapi’s by-elections must be held within 60 days after they became vacant following the death of his elected representative Datuk Liew Vui Keong on October 2.
“The rakyat want the by-elections postponed and officials fear going to the red zones in Sabah,” he said.
The other concern is the impending state elections in Sarawak, which are due in a few months.
“People fear that what happened in Sabah after the recent state elections will affect Sarawak as well. People want the state elections to be postponed,” he said.
On the national front, various parties threatened to topple the incumbent Prime Minister when Parliament reconvened next month.
“If that happens, the Prime Minister can dissolve Parliament and early elections must be held.
“But people do not want elections, as they fear the spread of Covid-19,” he said.
Annuar said thousands of people were kept in hospitals.
“Thousands of front-line people and security personnel are in quarantine.
“Billions of ringgit need to be spent,” he said.
Annuar said Malaysia had gained worldwide recognition as one of the most successful nations in containing the pandemic.
“What if the fight for political power takes center stage in the coming months at the expense of putting people’s lives at risk in the wake of the Covid-19 threat?
“What laws can be applied to stop the struggle for political power?” I ask.
Annuar said that all the highlighted issues justify the move to enforce a political or health emergency.
“The current administration is gaining public acceptance, but some parties are unhappy because they need to escape certain situations that worry them,” he said.
Annuar expressed his gratitude in advance to those who were able to share legal advice on the matter.
Please indicate which law to use when Bt Sapi voters want the government to postpone elections, which law to use when Sarawakians want their PRN to be postponed for fear of what happened to Sabah, and which law to use when 87% of voters indicated they do not want GE for fear of the COVID-19 outbreak https://t.co/9e26gdvPVf
– Annuar Musa (@AnnuarMusa) October 23, 2020
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