KUCHING: The Election Commission (EC) should look into proactive measures at conducting elections, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim, who is also State Tourism, Art and Culture Minister, said the EC should consider extending postal voting for Sarawakian voters residing in Malaya, Labuan and Sabah, as this would not require them to return home to vote in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“EC could learn from the elections in Singapore, New Zealand and South Korea, which were held during the pandemic without causing any spike in Covid-19 cases.
“If that can be done in their countries, why not in Sarawak?” he commented.
He also urged the EC to learn from Sabah election by finding the loopholes which caused a spike in Covid-19 cases recently.
“They have to make sure that they are able to conduct the election safely, especially during the pandemic.
“There must be new stringent measures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and guidelines for a safe election.
“And before Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg can make the call for election, we also must make sure that the EC is well and prepared to conduct it under the new norm and SOP,” he said.
Abdul Karim noted that the five-year term of the Sarawak state legislative assembly will end on June 7 next year and election must be called within 60 days of the assembly’s dissolution.
