On 6 October 2020, our Prime Minister admitted on national television that the Sabah state election-related activities contributed to the surge in Covid-19 cases in Sabah and throughout Malaysia.

Soon, we will need to hold a by-election for the Parliamentary seat of Batu Sapi.  This is required by the Federal Constitution, to fill the vacancy caused by the sad and untimely demise of its MP, Datuk Liew Vui Keong.

In order to prevent another spike in Covid-19 cases in Sabah, and out of respect for the memory of the late Datuk VK Liew, we the undersigned hereby call upon all political parties not to contest the Batu Sapi by-election and to permit the candidate nominated by Datuk VK Liew’s own political party, Parti Warisan, to win uncontested. This preserves the status quo in the Dewan Rakyat - it will not change the existing number of seats held by the different parties.

By not contesting the seat, it will do away with the need for campaigning and voting, and will very likely prevent the spreading of the Coronavirus.

This will also be one way that Malaysians in general, and Sabahans in particular, can honour the life and work of the late Datuk VK Liew, and all that he contributed to our nation.

Let us together show that in this time of pandemic, we can still put aside our political differences and unite for the sake of and care for the health and safety of the Rakyat.