I have expressed my opinion on the next Sarawak's state election (PRN) which should be held as soon as possible regardless of whether Undi18 is taken into effect. Our media friends were also informed that I was unperturbed if Undi18 is in effect as the 12th Sarawak Election will need to be held sooner or later since the term of all our 81 state assemblymen was supposed to end in June this year.
If we see the scale of Covid-19 which has slowly dipped down, we are able to manage it nicely. I see nothing wrong in us moving forward because now we are on borrowed time as far as politics is concerned. We are supposed to have the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) automatically dissolved on June 6 but now we are still here. I don’t think some members of the public are happy.
That is why I feel I am quite puzzled the opposition is not calling for election. Maybe they still want to enjoy the extra time ‘gaji’ (salary). I have mentioned that Sarawak is currently still under the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021 until February 1, 2022. The DUN should have been dissolved on June 7 and subsequently Aug 2 pursuant to Article 21(3) of the State Constitution but this clause is suspended by Section 3(1) of the current Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021.
It had also been reported previously the Proclamation of Emergency is issued to suspend the election because of the Covid19 pandemic. I have mentioned that there is about three and half months left before the Emergency against Covid-19 imposed in the state is due to end on Feb 1. This does not mean the Emergency could not be lifted earlier than Feb 1. But somebody has got to advise the Yang diPertuan Agong on this matter.
I have explained that our Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg would need to advise Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in consultation with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong AlSultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al- Mustafa Billah Shah for the Emergency to be lifted earlier.
On Oct 7, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh urged Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) not to call for the 12th State Election (PRN12) amid the ongoing pandemic.
Wong had said in a statement the ruling coalition must not prioritise politics over the health and general wellbeing of Sarawakians, more so with the state consistently record‐ ing the highest number of daily Covid-19 infections in the country.
On Undi18 which will be implemented in time to allow those aged 18 to 21 to vote in the state election, I have reiterated that as it is, the next state election, that one (Undi18) will be applicable. The automatic registration is still ongoing. I even checked on my son who is 18 years old and his name is already inside the electoral roll. It is a question of when EC (Election Commission) wants to gazette the date.
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