By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, July 26: Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen has urged the government to impose a localised Emergency Order for Sarawak so that the 12th State Election (PRN12) can be postponed in view of the high number of Covid-19 infections in Sarawak.
Chong, who is also Stampin MP, noted that it is possible for the government to have a localised Emergency Order for Sarawak although the federal government has decided not to extend the state of Emergency which will expire on Aug 1, paving the way for PRN12 to be called within 60 days.
He believed the high number of Covid-19 cases in Sarawak coupled with the presence of Delta variant will put the lives of voters at risk if PRN12 were to be held in the near future.
“As at today, there are still hundreds of new infection cases daily in Sarawak.
“Schools are closed, many businesses are still ordered to close and most businesses can only operate at a reduced capacity.
“Employers are struggling with their businesses and paying their employees’ wages and the employees are struggling with reduced salaries and allowances and the possibility of retrenchment.
“Every day, many are asking for food aids to put food on the table.
“With all these happening, it is surely not the time to call for State Elections,” he said in a press statement today.
Chong, who is also Kota Sentosa assemblyman, said the federal and State governments must make sure that it is safe for all voters to vote before calling for the next Sarawak Elections.
Otherwise, he opined that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government would be guilty of putting the lives and health of Sarawakians at risk merely for political gain. — DayakDaily
