Sarawak polls could be as early as November, says state minister Abdul Karim

A view of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building. Elections are expected to be called before the end of 2026, according to Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dateuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 5:52 PM MYT

KUCHING, Oct 17 — Sarawak could hold its 13th state election as early as November, with the polling window extending to mid-December, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The window is getting smaller. I would say we only have about one and a half months — November and half of December,” he told reporters at an event here.

Abdul Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief, said the timing would depend on when Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg dissolves the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

The Election Commission (EC) would then determine the polling date in accordance with the law, he said.

He added that the election timetable must allow sufficient time for the EC to prepare and for campaigning to take place.

A state election must be held within 60 days of the Assembly’s dissolution, a deadline that also applies if its term expires automatically. — Borneo Post

* Editor’s note: The abbreviation DUN in Malay stands for Dewan Undangan Negeri, or State Legislative Assembly.