'Irresponsible to hold Sarawak polls this year amid Covid-19 outbreaks'

 

It would be irresponsible to hold the Sarawak election this year amid rising Covid-19 cases as many would be disenfranchised.

This is according to Sarawak-based advocacy group Rise of Social Efforts (Rose) which pointed out the low turnout during the recently concluded Sabah election.

The Sabah election which concluded on Sept 26 saw a turnout of 66.28 percent, down from 77.53 percent during the 2018 general election.

"If the state election is called soon or before the third wave abates, the people would not feel safe to go out to vote or to come back to vote for those who live and work in West Malaysia/Sabah or overseas.

"An election anytime soon would also effectively disenfranchise many young voters who had left the state to work or study in West Msia if absentee voting reforms are not fast enough by the Election Commission to enable them to vote where they live," Rose president Ann Teo said in a statement.

Yesterday, the country hit another record-high in the daily number of Covid-19 cases for the second consecutive day at 317 cases. It was 287 cases a day before that.

"As such, during this outbreak, it would be highly irresponsible to call for the Sarawak elections now or before the year ends, if it is avoidable.

"The ruling state government still have until June 2021 to get a fresh mandate.

"It would be more prudent to make sure the curve flattens first before the mandate is sought by way of state elections," said Teo, whose organisation is focussed on promoting Sarawakians' participation in the democratic process.

She also urged the EC to expedite the process to allow for absentee voting for East Malaysians working in West Malaysia.

Teo said East Malaysians working outstation face many challenges in an election and more so during the pandemic.

"Other than the usual high costs of travel and time taken, any travel will pose safety and health risks to these voters coming back to Sarawak to vote.

"Another deterrence or barrier would be likelihoods of quarantine requirements after they exit their home state," she said. - Mkini