SEMPORNA:Residents in the Bugaya state constituency have expressed various opinions on the state seat by-election scheduled to be held on Jan 16.
However, many agree if the by-election is postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will also accept if an emergency is declared in Bugaya.
Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) vice president Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said the party has no issue if the government wants to declare an emergency to protect the people against the threat of COVID-19.
“We should take a break. The incumbent (Bugaya state assemblyman) had just died while the spread of COVID-19 is far from over.
“We have to focus on this threat first. It is best to tone down political issues...the time will come (for the election to be held),” said the Sulabayan state assemblyman.
The Bugaya seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Datin Manis Muka Mohd Darah of Warisan on Nov 17, due to kidney problems.
Semporna Bumiputera Tour Operators Association chairman Kerino Jalani said there was a need for an emergency to be declared similar to Batu Sapi parliamentary seat by-election, to avoid a spike of COVID-19 as happened after the Sabah state election.
“Semporna district was placed under the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO) and six villages were placed under the EMCO for more than a month with several clusters detected,” he said.
A community development officer for Bugaya state constituency, Abdul Hussin Kiamsin, 57, urged the government to consider the safety of the people before proceeding with the by-election.
Mad Nain Nasehi, 57, from Kampung Sungai Gajah said the villagers totally understand the responsibility to vote but their health and safety are more important.
“We want to vote but let there be no more COVID-19 cases. The number of positive cases has been decreasing and we hope it continues.
“If not, we hope a new date will be set because we don’t want the same situation after the state election to happen again. Semporna is among the worst impacted areas and many were infected with COVID-19,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amir Baha Pagagah, 58, a voter from Kampung Sungai Buaya was confident that the government would make the best decision over the Bugaya by-election.
“If the COVID-19 situation continues to improve, the by-election must be held,” he said.
Another voter from Kampung Bugaya, Khasyirah Adilun, 40, on the other hand, hoped that all quarters view seriously compliance to the standard operating procedures if the by-election is to be held anyway.
She suggested that a disposable brush is used to mark the voter’s index finger with ink, instead of dipping them into the ink bottle, while campaign should be held via loudspeakers.
Mohamad Asran Abdullah, 30, from Kampung Labuan Senang was also ready to vote when needed but hoped there would be no door-to-door campaign and gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Manis Muka, who was also Semporna Warisan Wanita chief, defended the Bugaya state seat with a 6,005-vote majority in a seven-cornered fight.
The Election Commission set Jan 4 for nomination and Jan 12 for early voting for the Bugaya state seat by-election.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Dec 05 2020
Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) vice president Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said the party has no issue if the government wants to declare an emergency to protect the people against the threat of COVID-19. - foto BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
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.