‘Hold state polls while Covid-19 still under control’
MIRI: Several people here are of the opinion the state election should be held as early as possible to give the state government a fresh mandate to chart and plan development.
The term of the present State Legislative Assembly expires in June 2021.
A villager from Sibuti, Saie Ahad, suggested that the state election be held this year when the Covid- 19 situation in Sarawak is still under control.
He said in Singapore and United States of America elections were held amid the Covid- 19 outbreak but with strict observance to health safety protocols and procedures.
“It is better to hold it now rather than wait for the term to expire and if we keep on dragging the election date, we don’t know the situation later. However, the campaigning period should be shortened,” Saie told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He said the Election Commission must limit the campaigning period, with no large scale campaigning and strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He added that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg must be firm and make an announcement to seek fresh mandate, and not be easily influenced by the opposition’s tactics to delay the election as they were afraid to lose if the election is held soon.
He said people on the ground still remember that the previous federal government under Pakatan Harapan ( PH) did not fulfil its promises, which should be an advantage to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the election.
Sharing the same view was Tuai Rumah Jarau Ponyang from Long Tabing Tinjar Baram, who said if the election is held next month, it would be good for the people as they had already set their mind on whom to vote.
He said the community at large knows that a fresh mandate is good for the development of the people and the state.
“Why keep on waiting for the right time? We can see other countries also conduct their elections during Covid- 19,” he added.
He said the state election must be held the soonest but with SOPs including control of campaigning by the Election Commission.
On the other hand, campaigners from Peninsular Malaysia should not be allowed to enter the state during the election to avoid the spread of Covid-19, he added.
A former oil and gas employee, Lim Teck Huat, said the state government must learn from the recent Sabah election
“It is good if Sarawak election can be held next year to avoid the increase in spread of Covid- 19 in the state,” he added.