My comments and views on speculation of timing for the impending Sarawak State Elections

There were talks and speculation on the timing of exactly when the next Sarawak state election will be held but the matter shall remains\ the prerogative of our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. As the Information Chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak, I was asked to comment by our media friends on Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s remarks on the forthcoming election that may be called within the next 100 days. 

To me, the statement was Dr Sim’s personal assessment based on the current political landscape. The only person who can roughly indicate when the election will be held is the Premier of Sarawak. The prerogative and discretion are on him as to when he wants to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. In general, all political parties in Sarawak are aware that the election must be held this year as the current State Legislative Assembly term expires by early 2027. 

We do not need to worry too much because we are already halfway through the year. Whether it is GPS or the opposition, by now they should already have everything in hand and be prepared for the election. While I personally did not think the state election would necessarily be held within the next 100 days, such a timeline could not be ruled out given developments in Peninsular Malaysia. It can happen. The key is in the Premier’s hands.

I have pointed out that recent political developments, including the dissolution of state assemblies in Johor and Negeri Sembilan and the possibility of more states following suit, could influence election planning nationwide. If more states are going for elections, it may be better to hold them together with the general election to save costs. I have added that organising separate state and parliamentary elections within a short period would incur significantly higher expenses compared to conducting them simultaneously.

For Sarawak, if the election is called this month, we are well prepared and that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) shall remain confident of retaining its power. At the same time, it was normal for political parties to introduce new faces in elections, noting that candidate renewal is part of the grooming process for future leadership. 

In every election will see some candidates dropped and some new faces introduced. That is part of the responsibility of every party. On another matter, I have expressed doubts for Sarawak’s proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 could be implemented before the coming election. Even though the motion, which was passed by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly last year, it still requires endorsement at the federal level before the delineation process can proceed. Looking at the time available and the procedures involved, I have my doubts that it can go through before the next state election.