By Shikin Louis & Amanda Ladang
KUCHING, Jan 31: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today remained tight-lipped on the timing of the Sarawak State Election (PRN), saying there is still time before any decision is made, despite growing speculation that the polls will be held this year.
Speaking to reporters, Abang Johari said the election would only be called once the current State Legislative Assembly (DUS) term comes to an end.
“If it has ended, then we have to hold the State election,” he said when responding to a reporter’s query after officiating the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) Kuching at Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian.
However, when pressed on whether the election would take place this year, Abang Johari declined to give a definitive answer.
“I don’t know. You can count it,” he said.
Asked if an announcement would be made soon, the Premier maintained that there was still time before any official decision.
“There’s still a long way to go,” he added.
Abang Johari’s remarks come amid confirmation by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi that Sarawak is heading to a State election this year, although the exact timing remains under wraps.
Speaking on BFM’s The Breakfast Grille earlier this week, Nanta said the five-year term of the current assembly makes an election inevitable this year, but stressed that the decision on when to call the polls rests solely with the Premier.
“I think 2026 definitely. But which month? That one will have to be the prerogative of the Premier,” he said, declining to give any hint on the timing.
Sarawak’s last State election was held in December 2021, with GPS securing a commanding mandate.
Meanwhile, GPS whip chief Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof earlier today stated that the Sarawak election could happen anytime but stressed there is no official announcement that it will take place this year.
He said the current DUS term runs until February 2027, allowing a State election to be declared anytime before then. — DayakDaily
