After the rise of Covid-19 cases subsequent to the Sabah State Election, we’re sure that most of us believe that holding an election during this pandemic is NOT a good idea.
After claiming that the 12th Sarawak State Election would happen ‘any time from now’ just 2 weeks ago, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today said that the state election will still happen despite our country facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
Abang Johari, who is also the chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) which governs the state was quoted by Astro Awani of saying that the election will still happen because of the capabilities of the Sarawak government in handling the spread of Covid-19 effectively.
Sarawak CM, Abang Johari speaking at a SUPP convention in Kuching
However, he didn’t mention the exact date in which the state election would be held. As it is, the current GPS government holds the mandate up until June 2021. After June, the State Legislative Assembly will automatically dissolve.
Speaking at a convention for the SUPP Party in Kuching today, Abang Johari also stressed that if the current state government can somehow continue holding power without an election, they won’t be pushing for it.
He said,
“If GPS are able to continue getting the mandate from the rakyat, I wouldn’t mine if a state election was not held.”
Previously, Abang Johari’s statement of holding the Sarawak State Election ‘any time from now’ have received criticism from many within the country.
The Member of Parliament for Bandar Kuching, Dr Kelvin Yii when contacted by WORLD OF BUZZ iterated that now is not the time for any elections.
MP for Bandar Kuching, Dr Kelvin Yii
The DAP Assemblyman said that this is not just due to rising Covid-19 cases, but also because there is an urgent need for all efforts by the government to be focused on recovering the economy and curbing the spread of the virus.
Kelvin further stressed,
“While the Covid-19 numbers may not seem high right now in Sarawak, but we will never know how the trend of cases will change in the future especially during the campaigning period.”
What do you guys think of the Sarawak Chief Minister’s statement? Would a state-wide election trigger another rise in Covid-19 cases or can proper SOPs make the election smooth and safe? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
