Editor’s note: Story updated with additional details.
By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak will have its state election as the Sarawak government has been effective in handling the Covid-19 situation in the state.
This was declared by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Convention 2020 held at the party’s headquarters here today.
Abang Johari however stressed that he has no idea when the Sarawak election will be held.
He expressed surprise that the opposition has been very much against the call for the 12th Sarawak State Election.
In jest, Abang Johari said if the Gabungan Parti Sarawak government can continue to carry on without holding a state election, he would not mind not having one.
“I don’t mind if they (those opposing holding an election) stop the election and GPS becomes the government all along but GPS believes in the power of the people.
“We give (the power) back to the people, let them decide,” said Abang Johari.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that the upcoming State Election is a Sarawak affair and “outsiders” should have nothing to do with it.
“There are people saying that there should be no election. I was surprised that the opposition says ‘no election’.
“You manage…Covid-19. After (all) it’s the problem of Sarawakians, not outsiders. Who asked people outside of Sarawak to come here?
“Sarawak is ruled by Sarawakians. It (state election) is not their (outsiders’) problem, it is our problem. We tackled our own problem. Covid-19 doesn’t mean we must stop the election,” said Abang Johari.
The present term of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) will end in April, 2021.
Even if Abang Johari does not call for a dissolution, DUN will automatically dissolve when the term expires, upon which an election must be called within 60 days. — DayakDaily
