Many fear a repeat of what happened after the Sabah state polls in September when Covid-19 cases surged, leading to a wave of cases throughout the country as well.

The Bugaya seat fell vacant after the death of its assemblyman Manis Muka Mohd Darah on Nov 17. The Election Commission has fixed nomination day for Jan 4 with early voting on Jan 12 and polling on Jan 16.

Semporna businessman Abdul Razak Tampi said the actual Covid-19 situation in the district may not be known as there had been reports of villagers in outlying islands fleeing when Health Department officials come to screen them for the disease.

“There have been so many stories of islanders running away to avoid screening. So we can’t be certain if all those who have been infected have been detected,” he said.

“A by-election would inevitably mean gatherings despite the SOPs, and the infection could spread among the community. That is scary,” Abdul Razak added.

He said it would be better for the by-election to be held after health officials can determine that the Covid-19 virus could no longer be transmitted in the community. “Why can’t we wait? Is it so crucial to have this by-election now?” asked Abdul Razak, who said he had friends who have died of the disease.

Echoing his sentiments, Semporna Native Chief Marisa Gabut said the by-election should not be held at the expense of public safety. “The by-election is necessary but it should wait until the situation is safe,” he said.

Marisa also said the surge in Covid-19 infections in Sabah after the state polls should serve as a lesson for all. “If the government can defer the Batu Sapi by-election, I don’t see why it cannot do the same for Bugaya.” he added.

The planned Dec 5 by-election for the Batu Sapi parliamentary seat was postponed after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to a government proposal for an emergency to be declared in the area. That seat fell vacant after the death of Warisan MP Liew Vui Keong.

On Tuesday, Sabah Minister Masidi Manjun had voiced hope that the federal authorities would also declare an emergency in Bugaya to put off the by-election. Masidi said politics should take a back seat with Sabah still recording a high number of Covid-19 cases.

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