PRK Batu Sapi: SOP, new guidelines needed - Masidi

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of new guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP) must be implemented if the Batu Sapi By-Election (PRK) is held on 5 December to ensure the safety of voters.

Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said, so far, the election must continue as enshrined in the Constitution.

"This case (Batu Sapi by-election) involves the Constitution and the law, that is, it cannot be dismissed because it is specifically provided in terms of our laws and Constitution.

"I think what needs to be done is for the EC (Election Commission) to determine new parameters that will be a guide for those who want to contest in the Batu Sapi by-election.

"New SOPs such as no face-to-face campaign with voters and so on and campaigns can only be made through the media or from home. It can limit, even reduce physical meetings," he said.

The Batu Sapi parliamentary seat was declared vacant following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Liew Vui Keong of the Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) on October 2 due to lung infection.

The EC has set November 23 as the nomination day, while December 1 is the day of early voting and polling day on December 5.

Earlier, two parties in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), namely Barisan Nasional (BN) and PBS, announced that they would not contest in the Batu Sapi by-election.

Apart from that, Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) led by former federal minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman also decided not to contest.