Harapan won't field candidate in Chini by-election

Citing concerns for the safety and health of voters, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution has said the party will not offer a candidate in the Chini by-election slated for July 4.

PKR Communications Director Fahmi Fadzil also told Malaysiakini that PKR's withdrawal means that the Pakatan Harapan coalition will not be fielding a candidate.

In a statement today, Saifuddin said that although the Ministry of Health and frontline personnel have been able to curb the spread of Covid-19, the outbreak has not been fully contained.

"At the same time, in the context of the 'new normal' standard operating procedure (SOP) being drafted in the run-up to the election, the safety and health aspects of voters are still a concern," he said.

Saifuddin said the SOPs being drawn up would impact campaigning and fieldwork as there would be a ban on public gatherings with more than 20 people and the fact that the procedure for house-to-house campaigns have not been finalised.

"Therefore, taking into account the above matters, PKR and Harapan presidential council have agreed that PKR will not constitute a candidate for the Chini by-election," he said.

The Election Commission has set July 4 as the date for the Chini state by-election following the death of assemblyperson Abu Bakar Harun, 60, of a heart attack on May 6.

[More to follow] - Mkini