KUCHING: Sarawak will wait for the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah whether to proceed with the state election or otherwise, soon after the Emergency Order is lifted.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said although the emergency was not likely to be extended after Aug 1 following the federal government's decision that it would not advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for an extension, there were three things that needed to be considered.
"One is the COVID-19 situation, whether our COVID situation has improved based on the figures. Two is whether the Election Commission (EC) has finalised the SOP (standard operation procedure) in that sort of situation.
"Three, as far as we are concerned, health is more important. We do not want that to be the cause of this (worsening situation) as what had happened in Sabah," he told reporters after officiating at the launch of the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (OUCCI) here today.
He was asked whether the state election would be held soon after the Emergency Order has been lifted.
Abang Johari said on the other hand, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) which he led as the present Sarawak government would also need a new mandate from the people in order to continue leading the state.
He said it would now be up to the strategic agencies such as the Ministry of Health (MOH) and EC to weigh all the factors.
"So, just wait for what happens between one and two weeks. If the emergency ends on Aug 1, then within 60 days, the election needs to be held but we must make sure that the situation is conducive. In other words, there is improvement in our COVID-19 situation or the people will be scared to come out to vote," he added.
Asked on the status of the State Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said under the emergency, it would still be functioning as consented by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"We will see what happens between now and Aug 1 because the power is with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to decide whether to extend the emergency or not," he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak State Assembly Deputy Speaker, Datuk Gerawat Gala said the state election could be deferred again should the Yang di-Pertuan Agong decide to extend the Emergency Order only in Sarawak after Aug 1.
He said although the term of the assembly had expired on June 6 this year, the Emergency Order had allowed for the continuation of the term during the emergency period.
"Only if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consents to the State Assembly be dissolved and there is no continuation of the emergency and no declaration of it for Sarawak, it means that the State Assembly, according to the constitution, is dissolved and a state election should be held within 60 days." said.
According to him, the State Assembly would still have to wait for details of the ordinances during the emergency that had been revoked on July 21 as revealed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law), Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan yesterday.
"We have to wait for clarification (on the revoked ordinances). If these were revoked on July 21, when is the effective date is another issue," he said.
Yesterday, Takiyuddin told the Dewan Rakyat that the government had decided that it would not advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to proclaim an extension of the ongoing emergency after its scheduled end on Aug 1. He also said that all the emergency ordinances promulgated this year had been revoked since July 21.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jul 27 2021
Sarawak will wait for the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah whether to proceed with the state election or otherwise, soon after the Emergency Order is lifted. - Astro AWANI pic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.