KUALA LUMPUR: The government has to balance between the demand for health and safety and the demand for democratic practice in holding the Melaka state election, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said.
He said the government was fully aware of the public concerns, and that was why the state election would be held on the condition that it will be with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
"When we decide to ask His Majesty (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) to consider not to declare an emergency, that means that the (Melaka) state polls had to be called.
"The fact is that the decision was made on the condition of having strict SOPs so that everything that we have done in response to COVID-19 will not go down the drain just because of one state election," he told a press conference at the Parliament building here today.
Hishammuddin who is in charge of managing the pandemic under the National Security Council (MKN) said the government would ensure that nothing would be able to provoke or trigger public anger against the politicians before the nomination day on Nov 8.
On the ban on all activities, gatherings and social events related to the Melaka polls imposed by the Ministry of Health so as to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Sembrong MP said he believed that the decision was made following the rising trend of people holding such social activities, gatherings and events which actually related to the state election
"That is the trend that we cannot allow now as the Election Commission (EC) is only vested with the power to control the Melaka election process from the nomination day on Nov 8.
"Before Nov 8, the responsibility as enshrined under Act 432 are vested on the MOH, to be monitored by the MKN and enforced by the KDN (Home Ministry)," he said.
Prior to this, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that all activities, gatherings and social events related to the state election, including the launch of party election machinery, were prohibited from Oct 25 to Nov 27.
The Melaka state election is being called following the dissolution of the state assembly after four assemblymen declared that they have lost confidence in Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.
Polling is set on Nov 20.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Oct 26 2021
Hishammuddin said the government would ensure that nothing would be able to provoke or trigger public anger against the politicians before the nomination day on Nov 8. - BERNAMA
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
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.