Khairy: Covid-positive candidates must be isolated during campaign

Nominated candidates for the 15th general election (GE15) will have to be isolated if they are infected with Covid-19, Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

The caretaker health minister said these candidates may opt to continue campaigning online during the isolation period.

“It (isolation) is the responsible thing to do if you are a candidate and are (Covid-19) positive.

“You can still campaign online, you have two weeks to campaign,” he said.

Khairy added that the recovery time for Covid-19 patients was now within three to four days.

The requirement for Covid-19 candidates to isolate themselves during the campaign period would not apply on polling day when they intend to vote, he added.

“Positive candidates are allowed to vote like any voter who is positive. The EC (Election Commission) will announce the rules for those who are positive.

“However, that is for voting because voting is a right within the Constitution,” Khairy said.

Covid-19-positive voters under quarantine were previously prohibited from casting their votes in the Johor state elections earlier this year.

However, Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah announced earlier this month that individuals who are Covid-19 positive but not in critical condition will be allowed to vote in GE15.

Khairy advised candidates and political parties alike to provide a good example to the public by masking up, especially when they are indoors and in crowded areas.

Other recommendations included for voters and EC officials to wear masks on polling day.

Although face masks are no longer mandatory, it is highly recommended, he said.

Khairy said that the ministry has provided the EC recommendations for a safe voting process, which would be announced in the near future.

He also brushed off questions from the members of the press on his own candidacy.

“All decisions regarding candidates will be announced by the party leaders soon.

“I will accept any area that is given to me,” he said briefly.

This is amid speculation that the incumbent Rembau MP would be fielded in the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat.

The Election Commission has set Nov 19 as the polling day, with nominations on Nov 5 and early voting fixed for Nov 15.

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COMMENT | Mother of all elections, it is not!