Wan Junaidi: Two things must be done before Sarawak state polls can be held

 

Two things must be done before the 12th Sarawak state election can be held, said de facto Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

First, he said the emergency proclamation until Feb 2, 2022, as declared by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong would have to be terminated earlier with the king’s consent, if necessary.

"Second, the Sarawak state election could be held if His Majesty approves the terms agreed upon between the Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Abdul Taib Mahmud with the state government and Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg," he told reporters after the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Mutiara Iman Mosque in Kuching, Sarawak today.

On July 31, the Agong proclaimed a six-month emergency in Sarawak from Aug 2 to Feb 2, 2022, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, thus suspending the state election for that period.

According to Article 21(3) of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly should have stood dissolved on June 7, but it does not have the power under paragraph 15 (1) (a) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 to suspend the dissolution of a legislative assembly.

However, Section 2 (2) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021, issued in conjunction with the emergency proclamation for Sarawak, states that the operation of the proclamation of emergency may be terminated earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.

- Bernama