KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today (Oct 22) gave his clearest indication that the state election is just around the corner.
Alluding to the fact that the term of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is only extended via the Emergency Ordinance (EO) which took effect last Aug 2, he described the terms of the DUN was in ‘injury time’ in football terms.
“We have to understand we are now in ‘injury time’ … If we were to continue (to be the state government) and follow (the EO), the people will ask.
“They will ask why I still want to be chief minister when I no longer have the power … don’t have the mandate’. For us, our DUN has expired. We are now just waiting for the ‘penalty kick,” he said, referring to the fact that Sarawak DUN has exceeded its five-year term back in June.
Abang Johari said the mandate has to be given back to the people … to elect a state government of their choosing through an election.
This week, speculations were rife that the DUN will be dissolved before the end of the month, paving the way for a state election.
Several news portals also reported that the announcement of the DUN’s dissolution might be made as early as today by the chief minister.
This, however, was refuted by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), which dismissed media reports that a special press conference would be called for the purpose.
The term of the current DUN was scheduled to end on June 6. It first met on June 7, 2016, after the 11th state election.
Currently, Sarawak is unable to hold its state election due to the current EO which will expire on Feb 2, next year.
