KUALA LUMPUR: The recently-announced strict Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Melaka state election is not a measure to hinder democracy but to contain the people's anger towards politicians.
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the ban on all election-related gatherings and social activities in Melaka until Nov 27 was necessary due to the government's responsibility towards the people's wellbeing.
He said prior to the nomination day on Nov 8, the federal government would be responsible for any untoward incident, relating to Covid-19, that may take place in the state.
"The Election Commission's (EC) responsibility will only begin after Nov 8. Before that, the responsibility is under Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988).
"This means, the responsibility is shouldered by the Health Ministry, monitored by the National Security Council, and enforced by the Home Ministry.
"So, from today until Nov 8, we must make sure that there won't be any incidents that could spark anger among the public towards politicians or political parties.
"Besides, it would be strange if we announce a loose SOP now but later on the EC announce a stricter one," he said during a press conference at the Parliament building here today.
The Health Ministry's decision to enforce strict SOP in Melaka had invited criticisms from several political party leaders and members, whom some had even accused minister Khairy Jamaluddin of committing "sabotage".
However, analysts had reminded politicians to make do with the new normal and be creative in their campaigning methods rather than complaining.
Hishammuddin also pointed out that the government had to find a middle ground in catering to the demands of both political parties and Melaka residents at large.
"When this state election was first announced, the public was very worried and felt uneasy but the government had to find the balance between the demands for security and health with the demands for democratic practices.
"The decision to hold this state election actually came with certain conditions and it includes strict SOP because we don't want all of our hard work all this while in terms of fighting the Covid-19 outbreak, to go down the drain simply for one state election.
"I believe the Health Ministry made this decision based on what happened recently where some events that are related to the election were held and the attendees had mostly failed to wear masks and observe physical distancing.
"This is not a trend that we can allow at the moment. The strict SOP should not be politicised," he said.
Last week, the EC set Nov 20 as the polling day for the Melaka state election with the nomination day on Nov 8 and early voting on Nov 16.
The Melaka State Legislative Assembly has 28 seats with 14 seats held by BN, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (2), DAP (7), PKR (2), Amanah (2), and Independent (1).
In the GE14, Pakatan Harapan won 15 seats while 13 seats were garnered by BN. It saw PH forming the state government with Amanah's Adly Zahari becoming the chief minister.