KUCHING – The Sarawak Legislative Assembly, whose term had been due to end today, will continue to function until August 1 by virtue of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, said Speaker Datuk Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar.
In a statement, he said pursuant to Article 21(3) of the Sarawak constitution, the tenure of the state assembly is supposed to end today, but the provision is superseded by the emergency ordinance promulgated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“Today (June 6) is the last day of the term of the 18th Sarawak Legislative Assembly. By tomorrow, the state assembly should therefore be dissolved pursuant to Article 21(3) of the state constitution.
“(But due to the emergency,) the state assembly and all its 82 honourable members, and the state ministers, will continue to perform their duties and responsibilities under the umbrella and protection of the emergency ordinance.”
Asfia said he will inform the Election Commission chairman that the state legislature will continue its term until August, when the emergency is slated to end.
On May 25, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah advised the Sarawak government to continue functioning as usual despite the term of the state legislature scheduled to end today.
The power to dissolve the state assembly lies with the king, following consultation with the head of state.
The Agong said the state government has the power to continue functioning during the emergency, which has been in place since January 11.
The state assembly comprises 68 Gabungan Parti Sarawak assemblymen, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (6), DAP (5) and independent (2), with one seat vacant. – Bernama, June 6, 2021
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