KUCHING, Feb 10: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari today revealed that he planned to have the State election last year but postponed it due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that the State election should be held no later than early August; two months after the current term of the State Legislative Assembly expires on June 6, 2021.
“However, the declaration of Emergency for the whole country by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has denied the possibility of holding elections for Sarawak.
“I have actually planned for the State election to be held last year, however, we chose to postpone it as circumstances do not allow it. The health and well-being of our people is the priority of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government led by me,” said Abang Johari in his Chinese New Year message.
However, he said, the GPS Government has full confidence in the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the state election could be held in accordance with the tenets of the State Constitution without compromising the safety of the people.
“I would like to call on you to continue working towards strengthening unity among us from various religions, races and cultures in this beloved Bumi Kenyalang.
“Even though we cannot visit our friends and relatives during the Chinese New Year as usual but this does not prevent us to continue to strengthen the bond of friendship between us by strengthening the spirit of mutual respect for each other,” he added.
On another issue, Abang Johari said GPS government will continue to practice an inclusive policy to provide annual assistance to 14 Chinese private secondary schools throughout Sarawak.
“The existing Chinese private school education system, which also involves many non-Chinese students, should not be neglected as it also contributes to the development of the state’s human resources especially in the context of the regional economy preceded by China’s national economy.
“I recently handed over a State Government grant of RM10 million for that purpose, and as a continuation of the efforts started by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“Apart from that, the State Government also provides assistance to Chinese primary schools where up to 60 per cent of its students are Bumiputera,” he said.- DayakDaily
