By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, June 6: The Election Commission (EC) has received the official notification from Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar that the term of the 18th Sarawak DUN has expired.
Although the term of the Sarawak DUN has expired which requires an election to be held within 60 days, EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak in a press statement said due to the Emergency proclamation, the 12th Sarawak Election (PRN12) is postponed until a future date to be decided following discussion between Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“Under Section 15 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, for the period of Emergency in force provisioning power to summon, prorogue and dissolve the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly has no effect and and it will be fixed at a date as deemed fit by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
“While Section 13 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 also provides for state assembly election for the Emergency period to be in force, it has no effect and the date of the State Election shall be held on the date deemed suitable by Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
“Hence, in view of the proclamation of Emergency issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 11 and the provision under Article 13 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, Sarawak Election is postponed,” he said. — DayakDaily
