PEOPLE who tested positive for Covid-19 may be allowed to vote at the upcoming general election, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

He said relevant discussions between agencies are currently underway.

Speaking after the launch of the Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) annual report, Khairy said he has instructed his officers to discuss the matter with the Election Commission (EC).

“We are trying to figure out the safest protocol for Covid-19-positive patients to carry out their voting duties,” he said.

“We were not able to implement such measures in time for the Johor elections, but we cannot continue denying voters the chance to cast ballots as doing so would be going against their constitutional right.”

Previously, Covid-19-positive individuals were barred from voting at state polls.

Talks of the general election have been heating up. Umno, during its recent general assembly, has called for the dissolution of Parliament to make way for an early election.

Khairy said in deciding when to set the date for the election, public health is a huge element to take into account.

“We acknowledge the national polls must be held. We need to find the most suitable time to do it, the time where risk is at its lowest because elections involve people going out, campaign activities and people going out to vote,” he said.

The current Parliament term ends in June 2023.

Malaysia should wait at least a few months after April 1, when the country starts transitioning into the endemic phase, he added.

On April 1, the international borders will also be opened for the first time in two years. – March 21, 2022.