Sarawak State Assembly to Be Dissolved on Monday
KUCHING: As expected, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly will be dissolved next Monday.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the dissolution would pave the way for the 13th Sarawak State Election, with the polling date to be determined by the Election Commission (EC).
The EC is expected to meet soon to decide on the key dates for the Sarawak state election.
“The state election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
“The EC will be officially notified and will subsequently determine the dates for candidate nominations, early voting and polling day,” he said at a special press conference at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here on Friday.
All members of the Sarawak Cabinet were also present.
Abang Johari also expressed his appreciation to the state civil service for its commitment and dedication in carrying out its responsibilities to the people of Sarawak.
At the same time, he reminded all candidates and supporters to respect the law throughout the election period and ensure that the democratic process proceeds peacefully.
“We want the people to make their decisions freely.
“I believe we will continue working together for the future of Sarawak’s children,” he said.
Earlier, at 3 pm, Abang Johari had an audience with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at Astana Negeri to inform him of the dissolution.
This will be the second time Abang Johari leads his coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), into a state election.
In the 12th Sarawak State Election, GPS secured a landslide victory, winning 76 of the 82 seats contested.
However, towards the end of the term, its seat tally increased to 79 following the dissolution of the opposition Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), when three of its elected representatives, who were also senior party leaders, joined the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), a GPS component party.
Another PSB elected representative had earlier announced his departure from the party and became a GPS-friendly independent assemblyman.
AWANI