Abdul Karim speaks at the press conference. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (June 5): The timing of exactly when the next Sarawak state election will be held remains the prerogative of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Commenting on Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian’s remark that the election may be called within the next 100 days, Abdul Karim said the statement was Dr Sim’s personal assessment based on the current political landscape.
“The only person who can roughly indicate when the election will be held is the Premier. The prerogative and discretion are on him as to when he wants to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly,” Abdul Karim, who is the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said during a press conference held at his ministry’s office here on Friday.
He said all political parties are aware that the election must be held this year as the current State Legislative Assembly term expires by early next year.
“We do not need to worry too much because we are already halfway through the year. Whether it is GPS or the opposition, by now they should already have everything in hand and be prepared for the election,” he said.
He noted that while he personally did not think the state election would necessarily be held within the next 100 days, such a timeline could not be ruled out given developments in Peninsular Malaysia.
“It can happen. The key is in the Premier’s hands,” he said.
Abdul Karim pointed out that recent political developments, including the dissolution of state assemblies in Johor and Negeri Sembilan and the possibility of more states following suit, could influence election planning nationwide.
“If more states are going for elections, it may be better to hold them together with the general election to save costs,” he said.
He added that organising separate state and parliamentary elections within a short period would incur significantly higher expenses compared to conducting them simultaneously.
“For Sarawak, if the election is called this month, we are well prepared,” he said, adding that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remains confident of retaining power.
At the same time, Abdul Karim said it was normal for political parties to introduce new faces in elections, noting that candidate renewal is part of the grooming process for future leadership.
“Every election will see some candidates dropped and some new faces introduced. That is part of the responsibility of every party,” he said.
On another matter, Abdul Karim expressed doubt that Sarawak’s proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 could be implemented before the coming election.
He said the motion, which was passed by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly last year, still requires endorsement at the federal level before the delineation process can proceed.
“Looking at the time available and the procedures involved, I have my doubts that it can go through before the next state election,” he said.
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