THE Batu Sapi by-election scheduled for December 5 will be held if there is a contest, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister said under the Federal Constitution, it is clear that when there is a vacant parliamentary seat, a by-election must be held within 60 days from the day it becomes vacant.

“So it is not for the government to decide if the by-election can continue or not. It is under the jurisdiction of the EC,” Ismail Sabri said during a press conference today.

The seat was held by former law minister Liew Vui Keong, who died on October 2.

Ismail Sabri said the government understood people’s fears in coming out to vote.

“We also found out that there are some election officers who are afraid to work.”

He said the National Security Council will meet with the Election Commission (EC) on planning strict standard operating procedure (SOP) to be observed during an election.

“This is to ensure the safety of the people who come out to vote.”

Nominations day for the Batu Sapi by-election will be on November 23 and polling will be held on December 5.

When announcing the dates earlier this month, EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said campaigning should be done online, using social media and videos.

So far, parties that have indicated they will not contest in the Batu Sapi by-election are Barisan Nasional, Parti Cinta Sabah and Parti Bersatu Sabah. – October 27, 2020.