Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin issued a statement today (16 December) that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has approved on declaring a state of emergency Gerik, Perak and Bugaya, Sabah. This also leads to the by-elections that were supposed to take place on 16 January 2021 to be postponed to another date.
In the statement, it was stated that His Majesty granted an audience to PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who presented the Cabinet’s proposal to declare an emergency in these two areas.
“The Cabinet has discussed the dire consequences that might take place if the by-elections takes place while the number of Covid-19 cases continue to fluctuate. Taking into account of what happened during the Sabah State Elections, the elections needs to called off due to public health reasons.”
YDPA used his authority under Article 150 of the Federal Constitution in calling off the by-election.
Also read: “It Became Worse,” PM Muhyiddin Admits That The 3rd Wave Was Caused By Sabah Elections