Sabah’s Batu Sapi By-Elections Will Go On, Govt Powerless To Delay It
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The Batu Sapi elections in Sabah will still go on due to the stipulations set by the Federal Constitution for a vacant position to be filled within 60 days, said Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said once a Parliamentary seat is vacated, either by dissolution of Parliament, the State Assembly or the incumbent has passed away, elections must be done within 60 days.
It’s not up to the government to decide. For instance in Sabah when the State Assembly was dissolved, it’s not because the Federal Government urged them to, it’s based on the Constitution and Election Committee (EC) will decide the date and once it’s decided, the elections must go on.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
He added that once EC has made their decision, the government does not have the power to postpone or stop the election but they are aware that the rakyat is cautious of another election with the recent outbreak in Sabah.
It’s understood that the people are afraid and are reluctant to go out of their homes and vote, even the EC officers are cautious to conduct another election. We will discuss with the EC soon to discuss tighter SOPs.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Ismail Sabri said that it’s the right of Malaysian citizens to vote and it’s the government’s duty to ensure the safety of voters.
The seat was vacant after Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Former Law Minister and Batu Sapi Member of Parliament passed away on 2 October due to a lung infection.
Based on the 60-day-rule, the election will take place by the end of November or early December.
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