KUCHING, Nov 1: Sarawak elections are Sarawakians’ internal affairs, says senior lawyer Shankar Ram Asnani.
Given the recent spike in Covid-19 cases all across Sabah and West Malaysia which appear to be of a more dangerous or serious strain, he opined that it would be wise for the state government not to allow West Malaysians and Sabahans to enter Sarawak during the upcoming 12th State Election (PRN12).
He expressing his personal view that there should be no inhibition for Sarawak to hold state elections as long as there are strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and heavy penalties. He also urged all Sarawakians to be united.
“For all Sarawakians, we must protect our fundamental rights and liberties which include our rights to hold Sarawak elections.
“As long as some tight SOPs are implemented by the Election Commission and Sarawak government for the people to follow, with heavy penalties if any party breaches the SOP, there should be no inhibition for Sarawak to hold its elections,” he asserted in a statement today.
Further emphasising the importance for Sarawakians to protect and assert their interests and rights, Shankar pointed out the Sarawak government may be subjected to any laws or directions passed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under the Federal Constitution if a state of emergency were to be declared.
“Under Article 150 (4) of the (Federal) Constitution, while a Proclamation of Emergency is in force, the executive authority of the Federal shall, notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, extend to any matter within the legislative authority of a State and to the giving of directions to the government of a State or to any officer or authority thereof.
“And this means Sarawak government may be subjugated or subjected to any laws and/or direction passed by the executive authority of the federation,” he explained. — DayakDaily
