CMO denies DUN dissolution today

Amid speculations that the DUN would be dissolved today, CM said the decision is up to the Agong

It’s not within my powers. It’s the Agong’s. If His Majesty says to hold elections, then it will happen.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg

KUCHING: The office of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has denied that he will announce the dissolution of (DUN) at a press conference today to pave the way for the 12th state election.

“This office wishes to clarify that no such meeting is scheduled to happen for now or tomorrow as reported,” it said in a brief statement in reference to reports by The Star and other news portals.

Citing a source in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), The Star said in a report yesterday that the chief minister was expected to make the announcement today.

The unnamed source also claimed that he was told by GPS top leaders that the dissolution would take effect on Saturday during the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to the state.

Another news organisation, Astro Awani, said Wednesday night that Abang Johari could hold a press conference today.

It also said that according to GPS sources, the coalition’s election secretariat has asked the component parties to submit the names of candidates.

The Borneo Post had also reported on speculations that the DUN would be dissolved yesterday.

Sources had also claimed that the state polls would be held on Nov 27 with nomination on Nov 13.

Earlier Abang Johari told reporters a er launching the Sri Aman Development Agency (Sada) in Sri Aman he personally does not know when the state election will be held, let alone the time to announce the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

He said while it was true the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had granted him an audience, they had discussed ma ers involving Covid-19 and the Emergency Order (EO).

Abang Johari said the exact time for the state polls would still depend on Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

“How would I know? It’s not within my powers. It’s the Agong’s. If His Majesty says to hold elections, then it will happen,” the said GPS chairman.

“It’s not within my powers. I cannot tell you in detail now, because it is not my power.”

Abang Johari said he was also surprised to read speculation that the DUN would be dissolved yesterday.

“I also didn’t know,” he said. When pressed further, the chief minister maintained he did not know when the DUN would be dissolved.

“It’s not time for election yet. I don’t know either. I came here for Sada,” he said.

“Just wait. I know the people are observing because the (Covid19) cases are dropping. Today (Oct 21) is over 700, right? Perhaps the people are beginning to ask, ‘oh maybe it’s election time’.”

The term of current DUN should have expired in June this year but the august House would only be dissolved a er the Emergency is li ed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Feb 2, 2022,

However, the King is empowered to li the Emergency earlier.