“This way, they do not have to leave the hospital or quarantine, it also will not interfere with their treatment. Most importantly, they will not be exposing others to the risk of infections and will still be able to perform their responsibilities as voters,” he said.

Anifah said he was shocked and worried over a suggestion by Sabah caretaker chief minister Shafie Apdal to allow those infected with Covid-19 to come out and vote.

“The SOPs that were put in place for Covid-19 were intended to isolate all Covid-19 patients from the public because the virus is highly contagious.

“Is Shafie Apdal blind and so desperate he is willing to sacrifice the public’s health to win votes?” said Anifah. He said the health ministry and EC should not acknowledge Shafie’s requests.

“We all need to play a role in reducing the risk of the pandemic which the World Health Organization has identified as extremely dangerous, and I hope none of us underestimate or ignore this matter for our own agenda.”

Shafie was reported to have said the state government could provide the SOPs to enable Sabahan voters infected with Covid-19 in Tawau and Lahad Datu to cast their ballots, such as by providing a separate queue for them.

He was reported to have made the proposal when asked to comment on the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Sabah, especially in Lahad Datu and Tawau, and whether it would affect voter turnout on polling day.

Shafie was quoted by the Daily Express as saying, “We can always provide the SOPs for those people who have been found positive (for Covid-19) and there should be a line for them. We cannot stop them from exercising their right.”

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