KUCHING: The 12th state election (PRN-12) will still be held even though 80 percent of the population have not yet been vaccinated
“The state government intends and targets 80 percent of the population to get vaccinated by August and if it achieves that target, it will be great.
“It is mandatory for the state election to be held under Article 21 (4) of the State Constitution,” said Gabungan Parti Sarawak whip chief Datuk Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also PBB senior vice-president, said the government had no other option but to hold the election as it is enshrined in the country’s laws.
“If we cannot achieve the vaccination target by August, the election will be held anyway,” he said at a press conference after ‘Program Malaysia Prihatin’ today (April 10).
Based on the state constitution, PRN-12 must be held within 60 days from the date the state assembly is dissolved.
Fadillah, who is also the Works Minister, said the federal government has also implemented various initiatives to increase public registration for vaccination.
“This problem is discussed at the National Security Council (MKN) level which consists of two committees, one of which is related to emergencies.
“Various measures will be introduced to encourage the public to register. Among those discussed in this committee is that those who have already received two doses of vaccine can now move freely within the country.
For overseas level, he said the committee will discuss matters such as preparing a special agreement between the countries involved to allow the admission of those who have already received two doses of the vaccine.
“However, this is still in the discussion stage and has not been approved,” he explained.
He revealed that so far the number of those who have registered for injections is still very low at only eight million of the total 28 million Malaysians.