No special lane for Covid-19 positive voters, says Khairy

KUALA SELANGOR: No special lane will be allocated for Covid-19 positive individuals to vote in the 15th General Election (GE15), but they must wear face masks, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said the Election Commission (EC) and his ministry have concluded that it was the best option for these voters, after taking into consideration the resources available and other constraints.

"There cannot be a special lane...we have arrived at the best option after taking into consideration, the available resources and constraints like space and manpower.

"So, the standard operating procedure (SOP) is as what has been announced by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah,” he said after attending the Selangkah ke Menara Gading and Townhall Ikon Malaysia bersama Khairy Jamaluddin programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam campus, here on Wednesday (Nov 16).

On Monday, Dr Noor Hisham said Covid-19 positive individuals who will cast their ballots in the GE15 must wear face masks, while the use of face masks for other voters is strongly encouraged.

Voters who tested positive for Covid-19 are also not allowed to ride in public vehicles, including ehailing, he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on a viral recording showing him being scolded by a female Sungai Buloh voter, Khairy said it was the woman's right to do so.

"No problem. We deal with voters and I decided to do a walkabout without filtering. We meet every level of society and not just those who supported us. Of course, there will be those who are disgruntled and they are free to express themselves.

"In yesterday's incident, her sister was asking for assistance which she insisted that we give her immediately. I said that was impossible. I would be committing an election offence,” he said.

Commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's statement today saying Umno elections should not be discussed during the 15th General Election (GE15) campaign period, Khairy agreed with the Umno Vice President because the focus now should be on the election.

Khairy said he was only replying to a question from the interview yesterday, but added that it was clear that the public would like to see new faces in BN, signifying the rejuvenation of the party.

Ismail Sabri today said the Umno election should not be discussed during the campaigning period because the focus should be fully on ensuring a BN victory in the GE15. - Bernama