KUCHING: The practice of democracy in Sarawak will have to be put on hold before the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 is lifted, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
In a statement today, the Parti Rakyat Sarawak president said the 12th State Election (PRN12) could only be called after the Emergency was lifted.
He said the power was held by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and that the dissolution of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) was bound by the Emergency law.
“Much as the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government would like to get the mandate of the Sarawakian voters to govern, we are governed by the rule of law.
“So, we will have to wait till the emergency is lifted,” he said.
Masing said the King’s advice to the Sarawak DUN after its expiry on June 6 was based on the laws of the nation when the Emergency was declared.
Yesterday, during a virtual audience before His Majesty, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg informed the King that the current term of the DUN was until June 6 and according to the State Constitution, the DUN had to be dissolved and a state election held.
His Majesty advised the state government to continue functioning as usual although the term of the State Legislative Assembly would end after June 6.
The King stated that the state government had the power to continue functioning during the Emergency period as allowed by His Majesty through the (Emergency) declaration effective from last January 11 until this August 1.
