By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Nov 6: A state cabinet minister is strongly against the idea of declaring a state of emergency in Sarawak because of Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the number of cases that the state recorded are just one or two index cases that reflect “our fight against Covid-19 is successful”.
“I don’t see the need for an emergency be imposed in Sarawak because of Covid-19, unless there is a total collapse of the system on the ground in our fight against Covid-19.
“Why the need for an emergency,” he asked when contacted today.
Abdul Karim, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president said this in response to a news report that the federal government was prepared to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare emergency in Sarawak and Batu Sapi in Sabah.
The news quoted Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Laws and Parliament) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.
The emergency, if declared, would suspend the election process in Sarawak, where the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) term expires automatically on June 6 next year, while for Batu Sapi, a by-election to be held this Dec 5 following the death of Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
Abdul Karim further stressed that Members of Parliament from Malaya who speak on the issue should study the situation in the state well.
“Those MPs from Malaya who speak up on this (emergency), please study the situation in Sarawak well before you speak up on Sarawak.
“Do not equate us just like what is happening in Sabah or Malaya,” Abdul Karim pointed out. — DayakDaily
