PHOTO: REUTERS/Samsul Said

Politicians have urged the government to allow campaigning for the Malacca elections citing that malls, restaurants and weddings pose similar risks but are still open.

On Monday (Oct 24), Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin invoked Act 342, the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, which bans activities, gatherings or social meetings related to political campaigning.

He claimed that political parties, including his, are unable to observe SOPs therefore in the interest of public health, their campaigning is prohibited.

The decision is not an appealing ruling among politicians but citizens are relieved with the minister’s firm stance on the matter.

The people flashing back to the 2020 Sabah elections are in constant fear that a sharp increase of cases will happen similarly at Malacca.

Seok Cheng Cheah said, “This fellow is looking for trouble. Do you (politicians) want the cases to spike again in a time where we are recovering?”

She added that the people in power are just thinking of themselves and not the well-being of the Rakyat.

UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan insists that the ban is unnecessary due to vaccinated people unlikely to be infected.

“I hope the government will reconsider the ban and allow house-to-house visits and small gatherings,” he said.

Lawrence Seow could not believe a statement was uttered from a deputy speaker nominee of Parliament.

“Thank God he is not the Deputy Speaker,” he said.

He suggested that Maslan should be a test subject for a 14-day campaign.

“Do you volunteer to campaign among potential unvaccinated people? Even those vaccinated can get Covid-19,” he added.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE