MIRI – Sarawak can expect a state election in 60 days – beginning yesterday – after its state government gazette released today noted that Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud has officially dissolved the state assembly.
“With consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to lift the emergency proclamation, I hereby declared the state assembly dissolved effective November 3, 2021.”
The dissolution paves way for the 12th state elections to be held within 60 days.
Meanwhile, a federal gazette stated that the revocation of the emergency proclamation by the Agong is in line with Clauses (1) and (3) of Article 150 in the federal constitution.
The Election Commission (EC) has been officially informed by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg of the Agong’s consent to prematurely end the emergency proclamation yesterday, which was originally set to end in February next year.
In a statement today, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said the commission will be holding a special meeting to discuss the Sarawak elections. The date has yet to be confirmed.
“Based on Section 3(3) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021, the state assembly must dissolve on the date that the emergency proclamation (for Sarawak) has ended or annulled.
“Under Section 3(4) of the same ordinance, an election must be held within 60 days of the annulment or the end of the emergency,” said Ikmalrudin.
The Agong had on July 29 proclaimed a state of emergency for Sarawak – which was meant to be in effect until February 2 – citing the spread of Covid-19 infections in the state.
This had effectively put on hold the dissolution of the Sarawak assembly that was supposed to take place in June. – The Vibes, November 4, 2021
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