By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 1: The strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Melaka’s state election may also be applicable to Sarawak’s once the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is dissolved.
Youth and Sports Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said however, there is no confirmation on the matter because the Sarawak DUN has not been dissolved yet.
“The strict guidelines which was announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently is meant for the Melaka election.
“But I’m sure once our (Sarawak) DUN has been dissolved and (considering that) the Covid-19 cases are still there, I’m very sure what is applied to Melaka will also be applied to Sarawak.
“For me, it should not be a problem. It is even more appropriate to have these SOP guidelines for the election,” he said at a press conference after an official event held at Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre here earlier tonight.
Abdul Karim who is also the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister also said the Election Commission (EC) has briefed the State government that there will be no open campaigning or house-to-house campaigning for the coming State polls.
“During voting, we will have to undergo processes similar to how we are entering supermarkets now where everyone has to go through screening, wear face masks, practise social distancing and so on.
“These measures might slow down the voting process but if we have more lanes, it will also expedite the measures. Therefore, it is not a problem,” he added.
Abdul Karim also said the different campaign methods do not mean that the country’s democracy is flawed.
“You go to some other countries, they don’t even have the kind of campaigning and rallies that we have.
“What’s important is that the voters know the candidates, the party they represent, their academic background and their manifesto.
“From there, they will be able to judge for themselves whether the candidate is the one that they want to vote for,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
