Reconsider ban on gatherings in Melaka polls, says Ahmad Maslan

KUALA LUMPUR: The government should reconsider its recently announced ban on political gatherings in the upcoming Melaka state election from Oct 25 to Nov 27, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (pic).

The Umno secretary-general said it was unacceptable for gatherings to be banned throughout the campaigning period due to the emergence of the Delta variant, given the increasing number of Malaysians who have been fully vaccinated.

"According to the Health Ministry's website, those who are vaccinated are less likely to be infected with the Delta variant and even if they got infected, the side effects aren't that bad," said Ahmad (BN-Pontian).

He said the Delta variant was being used as an excuse to ban gatherings during the state election.

"I hope the government will reconsider the ban and allow house-to-house visits and small gatherings," he said during his speech on the annulment of the Emergency Ordinances in Parliament on Monday (Oct 25).

On Sunday (Oct 24), Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said a ban was placed on all political gatherings in Melaka from Oct 25 to Nov 27.

"As the risk of transmission of Covid-19 remains high, especially with the transmission of the Delta variant in the community and the growing number of new cases, these political activities will only further increase the likelihood of more infections," Khairy said.

Ahmad said if the Emergency Ordinance was to be proclaimed again in the future for health purposes, then Parliamentary and state assembly proceedings must not be prorogued.

"This is not a good image because Malaysia practices parliamentary democracy.

"In future, if there are Emergencies being proclaimed for health reasons, then Parliamentary proceedings must continue," he said.