EC: Decision to delay polls 'when the time comes'
The Sabah Election Commission (SEC) will decide whether to delay the election "when the time comes", said its director Idrus Ismail.
The Sabah Election Commission (SEC) will decide whether to delay the election "when the time comes", said its director Idrus Ismail.
"Let us be positive and pray for a speedy resolution (to the Lahad Datu standoff)," he added when contacted today.
He was asked if the election could be held if an emergency is declared after Parliament is dissolved.
This is in view of a series of shootouts between Malaysian security forces and an armed group loyal to the Sulu Sultanate.
"There is no delaying if the prime minister has dissolved Parliament. By law, the polls must be held within 60 days," he clarified.
However, Idrus said the decision was for EC chief Abdul Aziz Yusof to make.
When contacted, Abdul Aziz (left) told Malaysiakini he had to study the legal provisions first before giving statements on the issue.
"Let me study all the related laws first before answering the questions," he said via SMS.
The two were asked about the issue following shootings in Lahad Datu and Semporna that have killed at least seven police officers and 14 Sulu Sultanate followers this week.
The incidents are likely the worst police killings in Malaysia since the end of the communist insurgency.
