KUCHING: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) seems to have little knowledge of the law, of which they should know that the 12th state election needs to be held as it is constitutionally required by the law, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Idris Buang.
In response to PSB’s remarks that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would be reckless and foolhardy if the latter decided to hold an election in view of the worsening Covid-19 situation, Idris said he hoped PSB and other opposition members would be wise enough to study the law first.
“The thing is that PSB is too quick to accuse GPS of being reckless and foolhardy as if they forgotten how GPS has been very responsible and professional in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, by flattening the curve and giving support to the people.
“Now, whether we like it or not, the present government’s term ends by June next year. The government has to return the mandate to the people to choose the government,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday (Oct 30).
He said that there is no law that allows the government to proceed governing without getting the mandate through an election.
“It is just like a license to govern. Our federal and state constitutions stipulated that it must get the mandate of the people.
“It will be unconstitutional if there is no election and no valid government. The country may fall into political instability and not be able to properly manage Covid-19, in which the state would crumble to pieces.
“GPS is a very responsible government under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his team. We are an experienced team who have been running the government for many years.
“It is our duty and pledge to prioritise the safety our, there is no question about that. But in a situation like this, you need the mandate to be renewed in order to be able to form the state assembly and pass laws,” he stressed.
However, he said the election needs to be held with strict compliance to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We cannot conduct elections the same way as before; this is an election under a different environment with procedures to be follow.
“We cannot have a lacuna in the running of the government because that will be disastrous to the political and economic stability of the country.
“Therefore, PSB needs to come to their senses. This is what you call unwise leaders in the opposition; of which they start making statements without thinking,” said Idris.
