By Karen Bong and Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 23: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS), comprising 82 seats, will be officially dissolved on Oct 26, paving the way for the 13th Sarawak State Election.
The announcement was made by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a special press conference at Satria Pertiwi Complex today.
Abang Johari said the 19th DUNS was first convened on Feb 14, 2022, under Article 21 of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak, and would continue for five years from the date of its first meeting unless dissolved earlier.
“Yang di-Pertua Negeri has consented to my request to dissolve the Dewan Undangan Negeri, and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, in accordance with Article 21(2) of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak, has consented that the DUNS is dissolved with effect from 26 October, 2026.
“Therefore, in accordance with Article 21(4) of the Constitution, the State election must be held within 60 days from the date of the dissolution, and the new Dewan Undangan Negeri shall be summoned to meet on the date not later than 120 days of that date,” he said.
Following the dissolution, the Election Commission (EC) will be formally notified to make the necessary arrangements for the election.
Abang Johari said the EC would determine and announce the nomination and polling dates, along with the election timetable.
The upcoming election will determine the composition of the 13th Sarawak Legislative Assembly and the formation of the next State government.
Reflecting on his government’s tenure since securing the mandate in the Dec 18, 2021 election, Abang Johari said the GPS administration had focused on advancing Sarawak’s development, strengthening its economy, improving infrastructure and public services, and safeguarding the state’s rights and interests under the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said the government’s achievements, which he had outlined in his winding-up speech during the recently concluded DUNS sitting, reflected its efforts to improve the well-being of the people and secure a better future for Sarawak.
“As we approach the completion of this term, it is only appropriate that a new mandate from the people is obtained.
“In line with parliamentary democratic practices and to ensure the right of the people of Sarawak to democratically elect their government is protected, the people of Sarawak must have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to choose and elect a new government with a fresh mandate to continue the development agenda of Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari said the State government would continue to discharge its responsibilities in a caretaker capacity during the election period, in accordance with the applicable constitutional requirements and conventions.
He said public administration and essential services would continue to ensure that the needs and welfare of the people remained attended to.
On behalf of his team, he also thanked the people of Sarawak for their trust and support throughout the term, while expressing appreciation to DUNS members and the public service for their dedication and contributions.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the law and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election period.
“Let us work together to preserve the peace, unity and harmony of Sarawak, which we greatly cherish, while ensuring that the people are able to make their choices freely and with full confidence for the future of our beloved Sarawak,” he said.
In the 12th Sarawak election held on Dec 18, 2021, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) won 76 of the 82 seats, securing a mandate to form the State government.
The coalition’s four component parties recorded the following results: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) won 47 seats, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secured 13, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) won 11, and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) took five.
Outside GPS, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) won four seats, while the Democratic Action Party (DAP) secured two.
Subsequent political developments altered the composition of the Assembly. Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How left PSB to become an independent, while three other former PSB assemblymen, namely Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh of Bawang Assan, Baru Bian of Ba’Kelalan and Johnichal Rayong Ngipa of Engkilili, joined PDP.
The move increased PDP’s representation from five to eight seats and brought GPS’ total to 79 at that stage. — DayakDaily
