The government cannot postpone or cancel the Batu Sapi by-elections amid concerns raised over the welfare of polling officials and voters in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sabah elections contributed to the spike of Covid-19 cases in the state and nationwide as Malaysia yesterday recorded 1,240 cases.
This has even got politicians from opposite ends, including the likes of DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, suggesting Warisan retain the seat.
The by-election was called following the sudden passing of former law minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, during his daily press briefing today, said the Election Commission (EC) had set Dec 5 as the polling date.
“This comes under the jurisdiction of the EC. A date has been set. Voters are free to exercise their duties as enshrined under the Federal Constitution,” said Ismail Sabri.
“To cancel or to postpone (the by-election) … that’s not for the government to decide.”
EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh on Oct 13 revealed the nomination day for the Dec 5 by-election is Nov 23 while early voting will take place on Dec 1.
Ismail Sabri added the EC would come out with standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will safeguard the wellbeing of those manning the polling officials and voters.
Many are equally concerned over the impending state elections in Sarawak which must be held before June 2021.
Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today
COMPANY DIRECTOR AMONG THREE REMANDED OVER SUNGAI KUNDANG POLLUTION
A company director of a used palm oil processing plant and two others were remanded for seven days from today in connection with water pollution in Sungai Kundang, Rawang.
The remand order for the suspects aged 36- to 67-years-old was issued by Magistrate Nur Hafizah Rajuni at the Selayang Magistrate’s Court.
They are being investigated under Section 430 of the Penal Code for allegedly committing mischief by causing a diminution in the supply of water for human beings and animals.
CHEAPEST PROTON X50 GOING FOR RM79,200
The eagerly-awaited Proton X50 was launched today with four models – RM79,200 for the base 1.5T Standard, RM84,800 for the 1.5T Executive, RM93,200 for the 1.5T Premium and RM103,300 for the 1.5 TGDi Flagship.
These prices come without insurance and include the full exemption of the sales and service tax (SST), valid until Dec 31.
There’s also a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, a five-year data package (1 GB quota per month) and five times free labour for servicing (limited to the first 30,000 bookings up to Dec 31).
SUSPECT WHO ESCAPED FROM MACC HEADQUARTERS FOUND IN PAHANG
Goh Leong Yeong, or Alvin Goh, the man who escaped after being released by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recently, was arrested by police in Pahang today.
Goh reportedly escaped by climbing over the fence at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Oct 11 with the help of his two bodyguards. He was released by the MACC, but the police were waiting to arrest him.
Goh and another suspect known as Addy Kanna have been identified as coordinators and agents tasked with preparing call centres for scam syndicates.
TWO CREW DEAD AFTER HUGE WAVES BATTER SHIP NEAR MIRI
Huge waves battered a ship, Dayang Topaz, in the South China Sea near Miri, causing panic and chaos among the 187 crew members on board.
Two died, one was injured and 184 others were rescued after their ship and an oil platform were damaged in the 6.45am incident at a Petronas oil rig, 7.7 nautical miles off Kuala Baram near Miri city.
The injured rescued survivor has been flown by helicopter to the Miri Hospital.
SPORTS BODIES JITTERY AS SPONSORS ADOPT ‘WAIT-AND-SEE’ APPROACH
Malaysian sports associations, many of whom are struggling to stay afloat, may find it tough securing funds due to the “wait-and-see” approach by potential sponsors.
The political uncertainty has also got brands withholding their business plans as they are unsure of the government’s direction and policy, as revealed by officials from several sports bodies.
MALAYSIAN CUB PRIX TO ISSUE NEW CALENDAR
Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd, promoters of the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix Championship has postponed Round 6 at the Sepang North Circuit this weekend.
The race promoters have not been able to obtain the final approvals to proceed as planned.
With two rounds already postponed, Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd will issue a new calendar once the situation stabilises. The aim is to finish the season by December or January 2021.
