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MIRI – The Kiput ethnic community in northern Sarawak is calling for a stop to political campaigns in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Community elder Michael Ding told The Vibes today that ruling state coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) as well as independent opposition bloc Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) must agree to stop all political campaigning now.
“These political parties are still very active on the ground, even though the Covid-19 infections are increasing by the hundreds every day,” he said.
“They are still sending their party workers into the interior settlements to put up flags, posters and banners. These election workers are mostly outsiders, coming from cities and towns.
“They are aggressively moving from settlement to settlement in the interior to put up their political flags, posters and banners. By coming into the interior like this, they may bring the Covid-19 into rural communities.
“The state Disaster Management Committee (DMC) must impose a ban on all political ground activities with immediate effect,” the community leader said, adding that it is not enough to just ban functions and events at government and private sector levels.
Ding, who is from Ulu Tutoh in the upper reaches of Telang Usan district, said the politicians must focus on bringing down the Covid-19 infection surge. “After that, they can play politics with each other again.”
All private and public functions here, including Ramadan bazaars, have been banned by Sarawak’s DMC effective yesterday amid the surge in Covid-19 cases.
The directive covers the Miri division, comprising the Miri, Marudi, Subis, Beluru, and Telang Usan districts.
In notices issued by the committee, it said the ban is part of enhanced standard operating procedures implemented in the Miri division.
Of the 141 Covid-19 deaths and over 23,000 infections in Sarawak, Miri division accounted for 15 fatalities and some 3,000 cases.
The committee said the Miri DMC has recommended enhanced standard operating procedures to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
“The ban on government and private-sector functions includes meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and similar activities, whether in offices, hotels, or public centres.
“Training workshops, talks, and courses at government and private levels are not allowed. Ramadan bazaars are also not allowed.”
The ban will be effective for the next two weeks at least, said the committee.
The five districts in the Miri division have a combined population of about 450,000 people.
The current term of the state assembly ends June 7. The Election Commission will then have 60 days to hold the state polls.
Out of the 82 state constituencies in Sarawak, GPS controls 68. – The Vibes, April 22, 2021