Bernama
Wed Nov 18 2020
The consent of His Majesty was given based on the lessons and experience of the Sabah state election. BERNAMApic
KUALA LUMPUR:Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today made a Proclamation of Emergency for the Batu Sapi Parliamentary constituency, in effect cancelling the by-election for the seat.
The Proclamation of Emergency based on Clause (1) Article 150 of the Federal Constitution was made after studying the explanation given by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who had presented his advice based on a decision taken at the Cabinet meeting.
“With this declaration, whatever proceedings that had started for the purpose of conducting the by-election for P.185 Batu Sapi would not be continued for the sake of controlling and preventing an outbreak of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and another date will be set for the by-election.
“Therefore with this His Majesty has consented that the Declaration of Emergency Proclamation for P.185 Batu Sapi, Sabah be implemented as a proactive step to curb the COVID-19 pandemic,” Istana Negara said in a statement today.
The Election Commission (EC) had set Nov 23 for nomination, Dec 1 for early voting and Dec 5 for polling for the Batu Sapi by-election.
The by-election was called after Batu Sapi Member of Parliament Datuk Liew Vui Keong died of lung infection on Oct 2.
Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, in the statement, said Al-Sultan Abdullah was very concerned over the safety of the people in view of the spike in COVID-19 clusters and cases in the country after the 16th Sabah state election on Sept 26.
“In this regard, His Majesty is of the view that it is very appropriate for the by-election to be cancelled and postponed for the sake of the people’s safety and country’s well-being,” he said.
He said the consent of His Majesty was given based on the lessons and experience of the Sabah state election, which was the main factor for the third wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia.
Ahmad Fadil said His Majesty’s decision was also guided by the fact that there were a number of registered voters staying outside of the Batu Sapi constituency who would have to make inter-district and interstate travel to cast their votes.
Based on EC data, the Batu Sapi seat has 32,962 voters and 3,170 of them have addresses outside of the constituency, including in peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
Apart from this, an estimated 16,000 voters were registered with general addresses without house numbers and this would make it difficult to conduct postal voting.
The Health Ministry recorded a surge of up to 148.4 per cent in COVID-19 cases, with a cumulative figure of 3,842 cases on Oct 10, which was two weeks after polling in the Sabah election.
The daily positive COVID-19 cases continued to spike in the following two weeks, registering a hike of up to 193.7 per cent or 11,285 cumulative cases on Oct 24.
Earlier, Al-Sultan Abdullah granted an audience to the prime minister at Istana Negara, during which His Majesty was briefed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and EC chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh.
The one-hour audience started at 4 pm.
On the spike in COVID-19 cases, Al-Sultan Abdullah advised the people to remain disciplined and play their role to contain the pandemic, apart from asking them to join him in praying for the pandemic to end soon.
“His Majesty expresses his appreciation and high regard for the frontline heroes and heroines for their perseverance and for sacrificing their time and effort to discharge their duties.
“His Majesty and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also convey their condolences to all the families of COVID-19 victims and hope that they will stay strong in facing the trial,” Ahmad Fadil said.
-- BERNAMAEnable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection
or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldEditEdit in GingerEdit in Ginger
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.