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MIRI – Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg has been taken to task, with the state opposition demanding for an explanation on the push for state polls amid increased Covid-19 hospital admissions.
Sarawak PKR information chief Abun Sui said it is an act of desperation if the ruling GPS really goes ahead with the elections without taking into account the pandemic situation on the ground.
He told The Vibes that data from hospitals showed intensive care unit (ICU) admissions at serious levels in Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu, and that Covid-19 wards statewide are seeing an increase in daily admissions.
“GPS and the chief minister owe the public an explanation as to why they are insisting on having the state election now, and not wait until the localised emergency expires in February.
“Are they so afraid of Undi18 taking effect next year? The Covid-19 data Sarawak PKR has collected showed the number of critical cases increasing daily, including the ICU admissions.
“To hold the polls now is an act of desperation – reckless and irresponsible. GPS will put the lives of many voters at great risk.”
Abun said there were 62 admissions into Covid-19 ICUs in various state hospitals over the past three days, and those needing oxygen supply and ventilators to breathe numbered about 40 in the same period.
“The numbers have been rising for many weeks. There are still hundreds warded in the past weeks.”
Abun said there were also 41 deaths confirmed over the past three days, with major urban centres like Sibu, Miri, Kuching, Bintulu, and Limbang reporting daily fatalities.
The Covid-19 total death toll has exceeded 1,150.
Abun said Sarawak PKR hopes the Agong will not lift the localised emergency order yet.
The polls should only be after February, he added. – The Vibes, October 21, 2021