JOHOR BARU: Johoreans who were down with Covid-19 during the state election have welcomed the move to allow Covid-19 patients to cast their votes in the upcoming general election.
First-time voter Wong Jun Kai, 19, said he missed out on the chance to vote during the state election in March after testing positive for Covid-19 days before the election.
“I got Covid-19 just two days before polling day and had to be under quarantine. I was very disappointed as I was pumped up to vote for the first time in the state election.
“While I am glad that people who have Covid-19 could cast their votes in this election, I am also worried that it may cause a rise in cases.
“I hope that the relevant agencies as well as Covid-19 patients casting their votes follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) strictly,” he told The Star.
He added that Covid-19 patients casting their votes during the 15th General Election (GE15) should be given a special pathway and designated area that is separate from other voters.
“The SOP must be clear so that other voters will not be afraid to go to the polls due to the fear of being infected,” he added.
Journalist C. Vinoothene, 29, who was also down with Covid-19 during the state election, said she was disappointed that such relaxation was not offered previously.
“It is good that people can now vote despite having Covid-19. At least they do not have to go through what I, and many others, went through during the state election.
“But I must say that I am a little disappointed that this was not done earlier. Many people could have cast their votes during the state election if only this had been done earlier,” she said, noting that she would be voting via post this time.
University student Mohd Faiz Rahman, 24, who was also under quarantine during the state election, said he was looking forward to casting his vote for the first time.
“I do not want to miss out on the opportunity to vote again because of Covid-19. I am glad that everyone can vote this time around.
“I think it is a good thing, especially since most people have been vaccinated and have also received their booster shots,” he said.
On Tuesday, caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Malaysians down with Covid-19 and under home surveillance could come out to vote on polling day.
“Those who are Covid-19 positive and those undergoing isolation at home, meaning those who are not critical in the hospital and so on, can vote. I have thought about this issue deeply. Their right to vote is very important.
“We have made our recommendation to the Election Commission (EC) that more relaxation is given to candidates and voters in this general election, which was not allowed during the Johor state election earlier,” he added.
He said this would be done through a special arrangement with the EC, which would make a detailed announcement soon on the SOP for the GE15.
