GE15: Special arrangements will be made to ensure Covid-19-safe election, says Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: Special arrangements will be made to ensure a "Covid-19-safe election" that allows voters who are positive and observing home surveillance to come out to vote in the 15th General Election, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Health Minister said the ministry has made a series of recommendations to the Election Commission, which will make an announcement about the GE15 standard operating procedures (SOP) soon.

"We have made our recommendations to the EC, so that more relaxation can be given to candidates and voters for this general election, which had not been allowed during the Johor state polls earlier," he said after launching a disaster management seminar and a book, "An Overview of Disaster Life Support in Disaster Management", at WTCKL here on Tuesday (Oct 11).

After much deliberation, Khairy said the rights of voters, including those who tested positive and were not serious, to vote should be respected.

Based on the ministry's recommendations, he said some of the SOP that allows Covid-19 positive voters who are observing home surveillance to come out to vote include having a special pathway and different polling station or camp for them.

"Other requirements include having them wearing a face mask at all times until they are done voting."

Khairy noted that allowing positive patients to vote was not to jeopardise the health of others who are healthy.

He also said that as part of the caretaker government, any decision that concerns public interest, can still be made and implemented.

"The Health Ministry will ensure we have a Covid-19-safe election this time," he said.