No special lane for Covid-positive voters

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 had concluded that this 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 SOP is as what has been announced by health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah," he said after an event in Kuala Selangor today.

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

Voters who test positive for Covid-19 are also not allowed to take public transportation, including e-hailing rides, he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on a viral video clip showing him being scolded by a voter in Sungai Buloh, 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 support 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.

On Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's statement today that Umno elections should not be discussed during the general election campaign period, Khairy agreed with the Umno vice-president, saying the focus should be on the polls.

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

Ismail today said that the Umno elections should not be discussed during the campaign period as the focus should be on ensuring a BN victory in GE15.