Chee Soon Juan: Malaysia's lockdown is more reason we can't have GE now

Malaysia's recent announcement of a partial lockdown is more reason why the Singapore government should not call for a general election at this time, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan said on March 17.

Dr Chee had previously urged the government to only hold an election when there are "clear signs that the [Covid-19] situation has abated".

Dr Chee doubled down on his comments in a Facebook post today, saying that holding an election "in light of the latest announcement in Malaysia and our own deteriorating circumstances" would be "unconscionable".

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The Malaysian government announced a Movement Control Order on Monday (March 16) night banning its citizens from travelling overseas between March 18 and March 31.

All businesses except shops selling food and daily necessities will also be shuttered during this period.

A statement by SDP today said that the Movement Control Order could result in "tens of thousands of workers" who "may be infected" making their way into Singapore before it takes effect.

"It may take a couple of weeks more before their health deteriorates by which time they may have spread the disease even wider among Singaporeans."

SDP also questioned if those under quarantine or Stay Home Notice would be "denied their right" to vote for their members of parliament (MPs).

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The elderly, who may be more susceptible to the virus, may also be deterred from coming out to vote, they said.

SDP's statement comes after similar calls from other opposition leaders.

The government should call the election after the pandemic is over, call the election at the end of the term in April 2021, or form a caretaker government, Progress Singapore Party's Tan Cheng Bock suggested in a Facebook video on March 15.

However, there is "no certainty" that the Covid-19 situation will be over before the end of term, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a Facebook post on March 14. 

The alternative is to call elections early and elect "a new government with a fresh mandate and a full term ahead of it", he said. 

"If we have to hold elections before Covid-19 is over, we will take all the precautions necessary, so that parties can campaign effectively, and people can vote safely."

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

kimberlylim@asiaone.com