KUCHING, October 26 — The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly has been officially dissolved, paving the way for the state’s 13th election.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the dissolution on October 23 after obtaining the consent of the state’s Governor, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, according to BERNAMA.
Under Article 21(4) of the Sarawak State Constitution, an election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution.
Attention now turns to the Election Commission (EC), which will set a date for a special meeting to determine the key dates for the state election.
EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the commission would decide on the meeting date after receiving formal notification of the dissolution from the Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
Caretaker Government to Continue State Administration
Abang Johari, who also chairs Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), said the state government would continue operating as a caretaker administration in accordance with constitutional requirements and conventions.
He said public administration and essential services would continue to ensure the welfare and needs of Sarawak residents remained protected.
The current 82-seat state assembly was due to complete its term in February 2027.
GPS Won 76 Seats in the Previous Election
In the 12th Sarawak State Election, held on December 18, 2021, GPS won 76 of the 82 seats contested. Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) secured four seats, while the Democratic Action Party (DAP) won two.
The state’s political landscape subsequently changed after PSB dissolved in 2024. Three of its former assembly members joined the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), a component party of GPS.
Another former PSB assembly member, See Chee How, who represents Batu Lintang, later left the party and became an Independent.
GPS comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and PDP.
The Election Commission is expected to announce the relevant election dates after its special meeting.
Source: BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
Picture Credit : iStock
