Citing candidate, media Covid-19 cases, PBM's Haniza wants tighter SOP

 

JOHOR POLLS | Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM)'s Johor state election director, Haniza Mohamed Talha, has called on authorities to take a serious look at the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) in place for the Johor state election.

She said in a statement today that this was especially relevant during a campaigning period that has seen a high number of Covid-19 infections, which have affected electoral candidates, party members and even members of the media covering the campaigns.

The five candidates affected so far include Pakatan Harapan's Jementah candidate Ng Kor Sim; Pekan Nanas candidate Yeo Tung Siong (Harapan); Penggaram candidate Ter Hwa Kwong (BN); Bukit Batu candidate Chiong Sen Sern (Harapan); and Gambir candidate Naim Jusri (Harapan).

“PBM has learnt that members and workers from other political parties were also infected.

“PBM is greatly concerned over this and fears the infections will worsen, while it could even be a repeat of what happened in Sabah if no action is taken, especially come polling day.

“On our part, we have made it mandatory for all our party volunteers to undergo a Covid-19 test every other day,” said Haniza, who is Lembah Jaya assemblyperson in Selangor.

Haniza was elected to the seat thrice as a PKR member but defected in 2020.

Today, the Health Ministry said a record 33,406 new daily Covid-19 cases were reported yesterday, bringing the total cumulative cases to 3,595,172.

Johor had the fourth-highest number of new infections with 2,713 after Selangor, KL and Kedah.

Haniza also said that as an immediate measure, the relevant authorities should look into the SOPs on campaigning as a high number of journalists covering the campaign trails have also been infected.

She said that at least seven journalists have tested positive for Covid-19.

“Journalists and photographers have no choice at times but to attend campaigns which often attract large crowds, as such events are often held in remote locations.

“PBM feels it would be better at this time if the parties organising such events provided live online coverage where the public and the media could tune in without the need for any physical presence,” she added.

Haniza urged the communication teams for the respective candidates to be more proactive and cater to requests from journalists for questions and interviews effectively rather than telling them to meet at the campaign trails.

“PBM hopes the relevant authorities and all political parties concerned will play their

part to help ensure the situation does not get worse and to relook the current SOPs to ensure the safety of everyone, especially voters on polling day,” she said. - Mkini