KUCHING: The Sarawak state assembly will be dissolved on Oct 26 to pave the way for the state's 13th election.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg announced the dissolution today after obtaining the consent of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Abang Johari said the 19th Sarawak assembly first convened on Feb 14, 2022, under Article 21(3) of the Sarawak State Constitution.
He said since securing the people's mandate in the Dec 18, 2021 state election, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government had worked to advance the state's development.
This includes strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure and public services, and safeguarding Sarawak's rights and interests in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"The GPS government has achieved various milestones, which I outlined in my winding-up speech at the recently concluded state assembly sitting.
"These achievements reflect the GPS government's efforts to improve the people's well-being and build a better future for Sarawak," he said.
Abang Johari said as the assembly's term approached its end, it was appropriate to seek a fresh mandate from the people to allow them to choose their government through the democratic process.
"In line with the practice of parliamentary democracy, and to safeguard the people's right to choose their government democratically, Sarawakians must be given the opportunity to elect a new government with a fresh mandate to continue the state's development agenda.
"Accordingly, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri has consented to my request to dissolve the assembly. Under Article 21(2) of the Sarawak State Constitution, the assembly will be dissolved effective Oct 26," he said.
Under Article 21(4) of the state constitution, the election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution, while the new assembly must convene no later than 120 days from that date.
He said the Election Commission would be formally notified of the dissolution to allow preparations for the election.
During the interim period, he said, the state government would function as a caretaker government in accordance with constitutional requirements and conventions, while ensuring that public administration and essential services continued to operate for the people's welfare.
Abang Johari also thanked Sarawakians for their trust and support throughout the assembly's term, and expressed appreciation to assemblymen and civil servants for carrying out their responsibilities.
He urged all parties, candidates and supporters, to respect the law and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election period.
The Sarawak assembly currently has 82 seats and is set to expand to 99 following the EC's approval of 17 additional constituencies.
In the previous election, GPS won 76 of the 82 seats, while Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) won four and DAP secured two.
The four seats won by PSB were Bawang Assan, Engkilili, Ba'Kelalan and Batu Lintang.
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