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Simultaneous general, state polls possible: Minos

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Datuk Peter Minos

KUCHING: In the event that a snap general election is held, Sarawakians should also be prepared for a potential simultaneous state election, said political observer Datuk Peter Minos.

He said that the decision was up to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg whether to hold the state election simultaneously with the snap general election, if the latter was held.

He gave the reason that it was not long before the state election had to be held — by mid-2021.

“Our chief minister has the power to advise the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and thus for an election to follow.

“Abang Johari will surely see, study, and analyse the surrounding facts and factors before deciding; it is entirely up to him,” said Minos in a statement yesterday.

He said that Malaysians had to be prepared for a snap general election, which interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may advise Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to hold if, for whatever reason, the latter was unable to come to a final decision.

“Of course, a snap election is far too soon, for the last general election was less than two years ago in May 2018 and an election is a very expensive and burdensome affair.

“But if there is no choice to break the current political impasse, then what other choice is there?” he questioned.

Minos reiterated that the Agong alone would make the ultimate decision, having absolute discretion in appointing any MP, who in his opinion commanded the majority in the Dewan Rakyat, to become the prime minister.

“Now, it looks like no MP commands such a majority; the Agong can and will make his decision. Thus, many say that the Agong had already made his decision by appointing Dr Mahathir as interim prime minister,” he said.

He said there was a possibility that Dr Mahathir may be reappointed as full prime minister in the coming days.

Touching on Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) stand in these matters, he said that the party would always put Sarawak’s rights and interest first and would support any group in Kuala Lumpur only if such support benefited Sarawak.

“At the same time, GPS will keep its distance and stay free and independent in its words and actions.”

Minos said that until the Agong made his decision, Malaysians should remain calm.

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