No snap election in S’wak — CM
KUCHING: Sarawakians are not going to the polls any time soon, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
At a press conference here yesterday, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president shrugged off any talk that the 12th state election could be around the corner.
He dismissed speculation that Sarawak could be expecting a snap election. The next state election is due in 2021.
“No, no,” he responded to a question at the conference after chairing a PBB meeting at the party’s headquarters off Jalan Bako here.
Sarawak called its 11th state election on May 7, 2016 when then Barisan Nasional Sarawak won 72 out of the 82 constituencies.
Of the 10 fallen seats, seven -- Padungan, Pending, Kota Sentosa, Bukit Assek, Pelawan, Tanjong Batu and Pujut -- are being held by Democratic Action Party (DAP), and Batu Lintang, Krian and Ba’Kelalan by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Earlier, Abang Johari said the meeting touched on means to further engage Sarawakians to be familiar with the logo of GPS.
He said they also resolved to continue defending the rights of Sarawak within the context of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.
The meeting also deliberated the economic plan in Sarawak including the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) which ends next year.
The Chief Minister added that the Sarawak government would heighten its programmes towards ensuring all communities across the state are equipped with water and electricity supply.
“The RM1,000 endowment fund is well received by our community in Sarawak. So is our subsidies for students travelling home for Chinese New Year.”
Abang Johari added that similar subsidies would also be provided for Sarawakian students in the coming Gawai and Aidilfitri celebrations expected early June.