Sarawak assembly dissolved, paving way for state election

KUCHING: The Sarawak assembly was officially dissolved today, paving the way for the 13th state election.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the dissolution on Friday after receiving the consent of Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

Article 21(4) of the State Constitution stipulates that the state election must be held within 60 days of the dissolution.

Attention now turns to the Election Commission (EC) to set a date for a special meeting to determine key dates for the polls.

EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said on Oct 23 that the commission would set the meeting date after receiving formal notification of the dissolution from the Speaker.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari, who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman, said the state government would continue operating as a caretaker government in accordance with constitutional requirements and conventions.

"Public administration and essential services will continue to ensure the needs and welfare of the people are safeguarded," he said.

The current term of the 82-seat assembly was due to expire in February 2027.

GPS won 76 of the 82 seats contested in the 12th Sarawak state election on Dec 18, 2021, while Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) won four seats and DAP secured two.

Sarawak's political landscape changed after PSB was dissolved in 2024, with three of its former assemblymen joining Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), a component party of GPS.

Another former PSB assemblyman, See Chee How, who represents Batu Lintang, subsequently left the party and became an Independent.

GPS comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and PDP.