BATU PAHAT: Political parties contesting in the Melaka election should practise the new norms in their campaigns as the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       He said there would have to be changes that need to be done in view of the pandemic.

       “I do not want to make any prediction as I have yet to see the standard operating procedure agreed to by the National Security Council that will be issued by the Election Commission for the Melaka election.“It is not good for me to make any kind of speculation but as we are still facing the pandemic, it requires us to adapt to the new norms,” Dr Wee, who is Transport Minister and Ayer Hitam MP, told reporters after presenting aid to 33 schools within his constituency at Dewan Komuniti Ayer Hitam here yesterday.

       The aid included giving sanitisers to the schools to help with their preparations in welcoming back their students.

       Dr Wee, who was asked about the Health Ministry’s ban on political gatherings in the state until Nov 27 over Covid-19 concerns, said it would be a new norm for MCA.

       He said the way the party would be campaigning would be different from previous elections.

       “We have to change how we campaign. It will not be like the old days of having mass gatherings.

       “There would be some restrictions in place,” he added.

       On Barisan Nasional’s preparations, Dr Wee said discussions on seat allocation among component parties were ongoing.

       “We still have eight days before the nomination date. The discussions have yet to be finalised but I am confident that the process will run smoothly.

       “Whatever the final decision is, it will be based upon Barisan’s highest leadership and be made collectively,” he said.

       Last Monday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ban on election-related gatherings would take effect until Nov 27.

       The ban is made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act, which states that there should not be any mass gathering of people under any phase of the National Recovery Plan.

       Nomination day for the Melaka election will be on Nov 8.

       Polling day is set for Nov 20.