Fearing case spike, Melakans want election postponed

MELAKA: Many people in the state are not in favour of a state election as it could trigger a spike in Covid-19 cases.

They said it could affect social and economic activities in Melaka, which is now in Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

They appealed to authorities for the polls to be postponed, drawing attention to the spike in Covid-19 cases that occurred after the Sabah election held in September last year.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Melaka chairman Goh Hock Gin said the election was unwarranted and appealed to politicians to comprehend the hardship tourism players are going through.

“We don’t need this at a time when we should be focusing on the economy and reviving the tourism industry.

“It’s not the right time for an election as the industry is just about to resuscitate,” he said. Malaysia Budget Hotel Association’s (MyBHA) Melaka chapter president Sazali Sabri said he hoped the election would not be held for now.

Clearing the air: Pantai Kundor assemblyman Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (right) apologising to Melakans over his decision to withdraw his support for Sulaiman as chief minister at a press conference in Melaka. With him is Idris.
— Bernama

“A majority of the members disagree with holding a snap election as it would be a disadvantage to the hospitality industry.

“We don’t want to witness another Sabah episode here,” he said, adding that the budget hotel operators hope to reopen during Phase Three of the NRP.

Melaka recorded 200 Covid-19 cases yesterday, with 88.5% of the adult population in the state fully vaccinated as of Tuesday.

Hotelier Dennis Samford said Covid-19 cases could increase if the election took place.

“We don’t care if Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, Aldy Zahari or Datuk Seri Idris Haron is made chief minister – as long as the impasse is resolved without elections,” he said.

Melaka Youth Coalition Council vice-president Zaiton Sidek also expressed concern any possible increase in Covid-19 cases would hamper various activities, especially for youth.“There are many youth activities we had already planned, but were delayed during the pandemic, especially when the movement control order was enforced,” she said.

Businessman Chew Chert Fong also did not wish to see a state election.

“Please understand the predicament faced by the business community now,” he said adding that another wave of Covid-19 cases would affect more businesses.

Businessman G. Ganatheran appealed to Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam to resolve the situation.

“We appeal to him to use his wisdom and resolve the impasse without the need for us to go to the ballot box,” he said.