By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 14: The 13th Sarawak Election is increasingly expected to be held in November or December, following growing speculation that the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) will hold its final sitting of the year from Oct 12 to 21, paving the way for its dissolution.
Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has also weighed in on the speculation, predicting that the State election could be held in November.
In a post on her social media yesterday (Aug 13), Yong said her prediction was based on the reported Oct 12 to 21 sitting, which she said would be followed by the dissolution of the State Assembly and the State election in November.
The sitting, originally expected to be held in November, is understood to have been brought forward to mid-October, fuelling speculation that the Assembly could be dissolved shortly afterwards.
However, sources said the DUNS secretariat has yet to issue an official notice confirming the dates of the sitting.
The timing of the reported sitting has also raised expectations that the Sarawak government could be preparing for an election before the end of the year.
The upcoming sitting is expected to see Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg table the State 2027 Budget, which could include further positive announcements and potentially become the final major legislative sitting before dissolution.
Abang Johari had on Aug 8, during the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sarikei, hinted at further benefits for Sarawakians when he announced that State civil servants would receive a two-month bonus.
He attributed the move to the State’s stronger financial position, noting that Sarawak’s revenue had doubled to RM14 billion during the first phase of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 from 2020 to 2025.
The Sarawak Legislative Assembly traditionally sits twice a year, generally in May and November, making the reported advancement of the second sitting to October significant amid the current election speculation.
Under the Sarawak Constitution, an election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of the State Assembly. The Election Commission (EC) will subsequently set the nomination and polling dates.
As such, an election in November or December would be possible if the Assembly is dissolved following the October sitting, although the actual timing will depend on when dissolution takes place and the election timetable announced by the EC.
The ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) currently holds 80 of the 82 seats in the DUNS, with the remaining two held by opposition representatives.
The current Assembly first sat in February 2022, following the 12th Sarawak Election on Dec 18, 2021.
With the next Sarawak election required before the current Assembly reaches the end of its term, the reported October sitting is expected to further intensify speculation that Sarawak could head to the polls before the year ends. — DayakDaily
