KUCHING – The Sarawak government said it respects the proclamation of emergency by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to contain the pandemic, but remains optimistic the 12th state election will be held as soon as it is revoked.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state accepts that the emergency was declared in accordance with provisions in the federal constitution.
“If the situation improves and the Agong is convinced there has been a lot of improvement, he can issue another proclamation in which the emergency can be lifted in parts of Malaysia,” Abang Johari said after visiting flood victims here today.
Abang Johari said the spike in Covid-19 cases in Sarawak was caused by the Pasai cluster in Sibu, and the emergency could be revoked in Sarawak for the state election to be held if this situation is contained well and the number of cases drops.
On Tuesday, the Agong proclaimed an emergency to be enforced up to August 1 as a proactive measure to contain the pandemic in Malaysia.
The mandate of the current state government ends in June 2021. – Bernama, January 14, 2021
