MIRI – If Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin loses the confidence of the Dewan Rakyat next month, snap polls for Sarawak and the country may be held in October.
Political chatter in the state has it that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will call for the state election to be held along with the national vote.
“If indeed the PM fails to retain power and opts to dissolve Parliament, GPS is looking at holding polls with the general election,” a senior coalition leader told The Vibes.
“We in GPS are staring at this scenario, and will have to work towards that. An October general election looks very likely.”
GPS’ current stance is that its components Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party, Parti Rakyat Sarawak and Progressive Democratic Party will speak as one in the coming confidence vote in the Dewan Rakyat to test Muhyiddin’s legitimacy.
Sarawak PKR information chief Abun Sui said he has heard that GPS and its ally Perikatan Nasional are gearing to hold the state and national polls together.
“Muhyiddin has little option left if he loses the confidence vote next month.
“He can resign, he can dissolve Parliament with the consent of the Agong, or the Agong can appoint a new PM.
“It is likely that Muhyiddin will call a snap general election if he loses the confidence vote. GPS will tag along and call the state election.”
He expressed concern about a possible worsening of the Covid-19 crisis should elections be held soon.
“Sarawak has 82 state and 31 parliamentary constituencies. Imagine the amount of movement of political workers, Election Commission staff, security personnel, politicians and voters if both state and parliamentary seats see fresh polls.
“The danger of Covid-19 getting out of control is very real, especially now that we have Delta and other variants in Sarawak.”
GPS controls 68 state and 18 parliamentary seats in Sarawak. – The Vibes, August 5, 2021
