MIRI – Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has activated its election operations centres statewide in anticipation of the 12th state polls.
The Election Commission (EC) has also convened a full-scale briefing exercise for polling station officers and district office personnel, another tell-tale sign that the vote is around the corner.
The Vibes learnt that the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) organised closed-door meetings until late yesterday, with ground election officers told to prepare for campaigning.
SUPP is a component of the ruling GPS, along with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, Parti Rakyat Sarawak and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
Piasau SUPP branch secretary Karambir Singh, when contacted today, said all of the party’s election workers are on standby.
“Of course, I cannot reveal the details of what we discussed.
“All I can say is that we are all instructed to be on standby for the state election proper.”
Sam Laya, PDP secretary for the Bakelalan state constituency, confirmed to The Vibes that the party has activated its election operations room.
“Yes, we are on standby now. Everyone on the ground has been told to be prepared.
“We must spring into action on all fronts when we get the signal from the very top.”
Sarawak has 82 state seats, with 68 controlled by GPS.
The state assembly’s term expired on June 6, and it was supposed to be automatically dissolved the following day.
However, the state is under a localised health emergency until next February due to the Covid-19 threat.
There have been rumours that Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg will petition the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to lift the emergency to allow for the vote to be held before the end of next month.
The EC earlier today announced dates for the Melaka election: polling day will be on November 20, while nomination is fixed for November 8.
Commission chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh said early voters can cast their ballots on November 16. – The Vibes, October 18, 2021
