MIRI – Sarawak’s 12th state election will be held only after the Covid-19 vaccination programme is done.
Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg said priority must be on the war against the coronavirus.
“We are still in a state of health emergency. The state election will have to wait. It can be held anytime, but saving lives cannot wait.
“The top priority must be vaccination,” he said after visiting Petra Jaya Stadium in Kuching to kick-start the vaccination drive for frontliners.
He said the state government wants to help hasten the inoculation blitz in both urban and rural areas.
There are about two million Sarawakians aged 18 and above, as well as some 200,000 migrant workers, who will be vaccinated, with the entire programme expected to take six months.
The current Sarawak Legislative Assembly’s term ends on June 7. The Election Commission has 60 days from the date of the assembly’s dissolution to carry out nomination and balloting.
State ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak holds 68 of the 82 state seats.
Covid-19 has claimed 80 lives and infected almost 9,000 people in Sarawak. – The Vibes, February 27, 2021
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