By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, May 26: Political parties in Sarawak will have to wait for the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 to be lifted before the 12th State Election (PRN12) can be called, says Parti Rakyat Sarawak president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
He asserted that the dissolution of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) is bound by the Emergency law in which the power is held by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
“Much as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government would like to get the mandate of the Sarawakian voters to govern, we are governed by the rule of law.
“So, we will have to wait till the emergency is lifted,” he said in a statement today.
Masing, who is also Deputy Chief Minister said His Majesty’s advice to Sarawak DUN after its expiry on June 6 is based on the laws of the country when the Emergency is declared.
Yesterday, GPS leaders led by its chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had a virtual meeting with the King with regards to the expiry of Sarawak DUN on June 6 and PRN12 which will have to be called following the dissolution of DUN.
The King has advised the GPS government to continue to function as usual in view of the worrying Covid-19 situation in the country based on the powers bestowed under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021.
The meeting was also attended by the presidents of GPS component parties namely Masing, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. — DayakDaily
