MIRI – The biggest party in the Sarawak government – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) – has activated its election “war rooms” in anticipation of an early state election.
PBB leaders at the branch and divisional levels in every state constituency have received notices from the party headquarters to ready their election operations centres.
PBB is the biggest component party in the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
The other parties in GPS are Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
In northern Sarawak, PBB sources told The Vibes today that the party will use Miri as its operation control centre to handle logistics preparations for the interior hot seats of Telang Usan, Mulu, Marudi and Bekenu.
“Our headquarters have directed us at the grassroots levels to set up election war rooms.
“Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and floods, there is a possibility that the state assembly will dissolve before the fasting month (in mid-April),” a PBB veteran told The Vibes.
As to whether Sarawak can even hold state polls during the state of emergency, the source said GPS feels that the state may get an exemption period before the state assembly’s term expires on June 7.
The national emergency order had caught political parties in Sarawak by surprise when it was announced last month.
“An emergency at the national level has implications for us in Sarawak as we are part of Malaysia.
“However, Sarawak can ask for an exemption to hold its state election.
“GPS ideally wants the state election to be held with the general election but it looks like the pandemic in the peninsula and Sabah may worsen.
“Sarawak may be able to control the pandemic sooner,” said the source.
The source added that once Sarawak sees a marked decline in Covid-19 infections, it may be safe to hold the polls.
Top PBB leaders are awaiting details on what will transpire at the national front in the weeks ahead, the source added.
GPS currently holds 68 of the 82 state seats. The current state assembly will end on June 7.
The Election Commission will have 60 days from then to oversee campaigning and hold nominations and balloting. – The Vibes, February 6, 2021
