'Politics can wait' - Sabah minister hopes emergency can be considered for Bugaya

 

A Sabah minister has proposed that a state of emergency be considered in Bugaya to prevent the need for a by-election there.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Local Government and Housing Minister Masidi Manjun said the emergency in Batu Sapi had set a useful “precedent”.

This was in response to a question asking if the state was prepared to hold a poll in Bugaya amidst the Covid-9 pandemic.

“If we take Batu Sapi as a precedent, there are steps that can be taken to avoid an election. This has been done in Batu Sapi.

“We hope that the Election Commission will look at the precedent that has been set in Batu Sapi as an option that can be considered,” he answered.

The Bugaya by-election is slated to be held on Jan 16, 2021, following the passing of its Warisan assemblyperson Manis Muka Mohd Darah.

Elaborating, Masidi maintained that it was up to the EC to advise the federal government on the matter.

As per the Federal Constitution, Putrajaya would then have to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who has the power to declare an emergency.

Yesterday, Parliament and Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the government is considering an emergency in Bugaya and is discussing the matter with the Health Ministry and National Security Council.

As for the state government, Masidi indicated that Sabah preferred to focus on curbing the virus rather than holding yet another election.

“At this point in time, we are not even thinking about elections. Our priority is to manage the Covid-19 pandemic itself, that is our top priority.

“Others can wait, politics can wait,” he said.

The Covid-19 situation in Sabah descended to critical levels following the Sept 26 state-wide election.

The state, among the poorest and most ill-resourced in the country, had recorded the highest number of new infections and deaths for several weeks on end.

As of noon yesterday, it ranked second nationwide in terms of new infections - recording 326 new cases and one death. It also ranks second in terms of the total number of active cases with 5,388 cases.  - Mkini