ACCCIS all for virtual election campaigning

KUCHING: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sarawak (ACCCIS) is all for election campaigns to be held virtually if the 12th state election has to be called soon.

Its secretary-general Jonathan Chai said virtual campaigns ought to be the option though some rural communities might not have access to Internet service.

“I think we should learn a hard lesson from the Sabah state election (held in September last year) by having tightened Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) if an election is called.

“Virtual campaigns is a good option but with limitation especially in rural areas due to poor Internet connectivity.

“However, if an election has to be called under the prevailing circumstances, we just have to accept the ‘new norms’,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post here yesterday.

In a statement yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said any electionrelated gatherings or social activities are not allowed from yesterday to Nov 27 for the Melaka state election to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infections. He added that the ban included election launching ceremonies.

The Election Commission has set the nomination date for the Melaka state election on Nov 8 and the polling date on Nov 20.

According to Chai, politicians and potential candidates should make themselves known to voters well before the election through service to the constituents and not only become active during the election campaign period after the nomination day.

“Of course, newcomers would be disadvantaged without political campaigning as they need publicity through physical appearance and exposure to introduce themselves to the voters.

“Unfortunately, public health and safety should be our paramount consideration under such extraordinary circumstances,” he added.