The Court of Appeal’s recent dismissal of Tan Sri Musa Aman’s challenge against the dissolution of the Sabah legislative assembly has set the stage for a close and bitter election in Malaysia’s most eastern state. Following the Appellate court’s verdict, the Election Commission (EC) officially declared the state administration dissolved, with fresh elections set for September 26. This is preceded by a two-week campaign period which officially began last Saturday, following the Nomination process that took place in a relatively calm and orderly manner — amidst soaring COVID-19 cases in Sabah. As a result of the increased number of infections, the EC has issued SOPs for COVID-19 prevention involving all stakeholders in this election.
