Kota Kinabalu: The State Government hopes the Election Commission (EC) will look at the precedent enforced in Batu Sapi as an option that can be considered for Bugaya.“The Bugaya by-election will be held on Jan 16 as announced by the EC. The decision on whether the State Government will apply for a postponement of the Bugaya by-election depends on the current Covid-19 situation in Sabah and advice from the Ministry of Health Malaysia,” said State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

“We hope the EC will look at the precedent enforced in Batu Sapi. However, the power falls on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare a state of emergency after getting advice from the Government which, on the other hand, has to obtain advice and recommendation from the Election Commission,” said Masidi, who is also the State’s official Covid-19 spokesperson.