MIRI – Sarawak leaders may just sit back and watch how Melaka’s possible snap polls play out before deciding to call its state election.
A senior state leader today said the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) still has time left as Sarawak’s localised health emergency is in place until next February.
State Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president, said there is no need for the state to hold its vote with Melaka as Sarawak’s Covid-19 situation is still serious.
“Sarawak has to hold our election very soon. Although there is talk that it may be held in November, I think we can wait a bit longer. Sarawak is still dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We may have to wait a bit more even though we must have the state polls.
“When the Covid-19 situation has abated, the chief minister may seek the king’s consent to lift the emergency in Sarawak before February.
“Then, we can have our state election. But, the Election Commission must first draw up comprehensive SOPs.”
Speaking to reporters after visiting SMK Asajaya near Kuching this morning, Karim said as far as PBB is concerned, it is in the final process of selecting election candidates.
“There will be several new faces, and I hope there will be more women candidates from PBB.”
PBB is GPS’ main component. The others in the coalition are the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party, Parti Rakyat Sarawak and Progressive Democratic Party.
GPS controls 68 of Sarawak’s 82 state constituencies.
The term for the state assembly expired on June 6, but due to the pandemic, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong extended it to next February. – The Vibes, October 7, 2021
