Election travel ban will be unconstitutional, says minister

 

A by-election has been scheduled for Dec 5 in Batu Sapi, Sabah.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government cannot restrict anyone from travelling across districts or state to vote in the Batu Sapi by-election, scheduled to be held next month, says Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the right to vote was guaranteed in the Federal Constitution and all citizens must be able to cast their votes by adhering to the rules set by the Election Commission (EC) to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“If we impose restrictions, it is against the constitution and they (voters) can challenge it in court for restricting their freedom to vote.

“So, those who work in Kuala Lumpur but originate from Batu Sapi must be allowed to return to vote and come back, but the SOP will be tightened to avoid a spike in (Covid-19) cases as what happened during the Sabah state elections,” he said at his daily media briefing.

He said the new procedures for the Batu Sapi by-election had been prepared in line with the increase of Covid-19 cases in Sabah, but improvements were needed.

The EC had previously set several guidelines for the Batu Sapi by-election including no face-to-face campaigning and house visits by candidates or their supporters.

The by-election, scheduled for Dec 5, arises from the death of Liew Vui Kong from lung infection on Oct 2. Liew had been elected to the seat in the 2018 general election. - FMT