Sarawak polls postponed due to emergency, says EC

KUALA LUMPUR – The state election, which is scheduled to be held this year, has been postponed.

Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said this is in view of the proclamation of emergency issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 11, and provisions of Section 13 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021.

“The Sarawak election must be held on a date deemed fit by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consulting the Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri.”

He said EC has received an official notification from the state assembly Speaker Datuk Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar today on the expiration of the term of the 18th Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

However, under Section 15 of the emergency ordinance, the power to summon, prorogue and dissolve the state assembly has no effect, said Ikmalrudin.

Earlier, Asfia said the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, whose term is scheduled to end today, will continue to function until August 1, by virtue of the proclamation of emergency. – Bernama, June 6, 2021