SARAWAK Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to abide by the law and act responsibly throughout the election period, stressing that the state’s peace and harmony must be preserved.
“I also urge all parties, political candidates and their supporters to always respect the law and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election period. We must preserve peace and harmony in Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari also thanked Sarawakians for their continued trust and support for his team.
“On behalf of my team, I would like to thank the people of Sarawak for their trust and support,” he said.
The Election Commission (EC) will be formally notified to allow it to make the necessary preparations for the election, with the nomination and polling dates to be announced by the commission.
The state government will meanwhile continue to discharge its responsibilities as a caretaker administration.
Abang Johari announced that the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly would be dissolved on Monday, October 26, paving the way for the 13th state election.
He made the announcement at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Kuching after seeking the consent of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar for the dissolution.
“As we approach the completion of the term, it’s only appropriate that we obtain a new mandate from the people,” he said.
He said Sarawakians must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to elect a new state government.
Speculation over the dissolution date had been circulating ahead of the state assembly sitting, which ran from October 12 to 21.
The assembly has 82 seats, with no increase expected for the coming election.
The 17 additional seats approved in 2025 are undergoing a redelineation review, a process expected to take about a year and which will not be completed in time for the polls.
At the previous state election on December 18, 2021, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) won 76 of the 82 seats contested.
The coalition, comprising Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), held 80 seats at the conclusion of the latest assembly sitting. – October 23, 2026