IPOH: Declaring a state of emergency in Gerik, like in Batu Sapi, may be necessary if Covid-19 cases continue to rise, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
The Perak Mentri Besar said that the declaration might help to break the Covid-19 chain.
“Our main concern right now is the fight against Covid-19.
“I personally believe that politics is not a priority. But since we are practising the democratic system, it is wise to let the Election Commission (EC) to announce the by-election first, ” he told reporters at a press conference held at the state Secretariat Building here on Thursday (Nov 19).
On Wednesday (Nov 18), the Batu Sapi by-election was called off after Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah agreed to declare a state of emergency in the constituency.
The Gerik parliament seat was left vacant following the death of its incumbent MP Datuk Hasbullah Osman who suffered a heart attack in Raub, Pahang on Tuesday (Nov 17).
Faizal also expressed his sadness on Hasbullah’s death.
“I had known him since I was in school and considered him as a brother.
“Hasbullah had served his best for the people in Gerik, ” he said.
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