KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi believes that the Election Commission (EC) will formulate the best approach to ensure that Sarawak’s 12th state election (PRN-12) runs smoothly.
He said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the EC for Sarawak’s PRN-12 would certainly take into account the current circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We abide by any SOPs set by the EC in facing PRN-12,” he said on Thursday (July 29).
He assured that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would always prioritise the health and safety of the people.
“PRN-12 will indeed be different compared to previous elections as many aspects need to be taken into consideration to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Many matters that were commonplace in previous elections will not be allowed this time,” said the Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and DBKU).
In this regard, Dr Abdul Rahman said everyone, especially voters, would have to comply with the SOPs when voting.
He said this when prompted for comments on the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) Sarawak’s proposal that polling in Sarawak’s PRN-12 be extended to two days whereas the campaign period from 14 to 21 days.
Bersih Sarawak also suggested for physical campaigning to be replaced with broadcast campaigning, for advance voting to be held for registered voters with polling addresses in the state but who are residing outside Sarawak, and for a 21-day period for postal voters to cast their votes.
