KUALA LUMPUR: The Batu Sapi by-election will proceed as scheduled despite the surge in Covid-19 cases.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the Election Commission (EC) was responsible for holding elections in accordance to the Federal Constitution and that the government had no power to override this.
"The by-election in Batu Sapi will go on; however, the decision was not the government's call. According to the Constitution, EC must carry out a by-election within 60 days of a seat falling vacant, including as a result of a sudden death," he said.
Ismail Sabri said he was aware that some people might be afraid to come out and vote given the current Covid-19 situation.
"We are working with the EC to come up with a new and safer SOP (standard operating procedure) for those coming out to cast their votes on that day.
"We can expect stringent SOP at the Batu Sapi by-election on Dec 5, as we prioritise public safety," he said.
The Batu Sapi parliamentary seat fell vacant earlier this month following the death of Warisan member of parliament Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
Nomination day for the by-election is set for Nov 23 and polling day for Dec 5, with early voting to be held on Dec 1.