KUCHING: Most Sarawakians are of the view that the polling date set by the Election Committee (EC) is suitable for the 12th state election (PRN12) to proceed.
Yesterday (Nov 24), EC Chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh announced that the nomination date is on Dec 6 and the polling date will be on Dec 18.
Sarawakians agreed that the date comes rather quickly, however, with the high rate of vaccination and number of Covid-19 cases gradually decreasing, they opined that it is the right time to do so.
Besides that, a few of them suggested to delay the date, ensuring all political parties and candidates have enough time to prepare for the battle ahead.
Nevertheless, New Sarawak Tribune found that the public agreed on the date, taking in the factors of high vaccination rate, the booster vaccination, the decreasing number of Covid-19 cases and in time for Christmas.
SELDEAR SOLLOW
(Administration assistant)
As the State Legislative term has expired, it is the right time to hold the state election soon so that the administration of the government can proceed. With the Covid-19 pandemic, however, cases are still in three-digit number. Therefore, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Ministry of Health should be complied with at all times to reduce the infection until the fourth pandemic wave hits.
NUQMAN NADEEM SHARKAWI
(Student)
The nomination date is 12 days ahead, which I think is too short. From my perspective, maybe lengthen it to be 16 to 20 days to ensure the candidates have more time to plan their campaigns to avoid any hasty decisions.
AINA AZIZAH YEO
(Executive)
I think the date is being set right — even though it is three weeks from now. I believe the voters already knew who they want to vote for as our political figures indeed have shown their efforts and commitments.
LAR JAMES SIM KWANG SENG
(Architect)
In response to the complexities of state election in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, this should be carried out on the date set by EC because the state election is about juridical aspects that provide legal legitimacy and helping democracies stay on track in this unusually challenging time. However, all Sarawakians should practice high level of health protocol and social distancing as well as the presence of community obedience during the election.
LEGLENNA UMI BROWN
(Accountant assistant)
Yes, the date is suitable for PRN12. As the date is on the weekend, this allows the people to go out and vote and elect a government that can develop Sarawak in the future. With strict SOPs in place, I believe this allows a smooth and safe election.
JUKA NISIR
(Police officer)
It is a suitable date to hold the state election. I believe this is a good thing because taking the factors of vaccination rates, the booster dose and the number of Covid-19 cases which are gradually decreasing. With that in mind, it is the right time also because it is before the Christmas holiday, which I am glad to hear.
ADELIN SENTINI JUKA
(Administration assistant)
The date set by the EC for the PRN12 are very appropriate because in a situation where we are moving from pandemic to endemic, we need a strong government. This will allow the government to function well and perfectly while looking after the welfare of the people.
