Sarawak assembly dissolution expected in November after state Budget, says Abdul Karim

A general view of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building December 7, 2021. The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly is expected to be dissolved in November or two weeks after the state’s Budget 2027 is passed. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 2:06 PM MYT

KUCHING, Oct 8 — The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly is expected to be dissolved in November or two weeks after the state’s Budget 2027 is passed.

Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the budget would be tabled at the upcoming state assembly sitting.

He added that the Sarawak government would also not allow the State Legislative Assembly’s term to expire automatically in February 2027 when the state government’s mandate ends.

“Rarely would a Menteri Besar, Chief Minister or, in Sarawak’s context, the Premier, allow the state assembly to dissolve automatically, as they would usually seek its dissolution.

“So, when we look at the situation now, it is already October... and there are only a few months left (until the term ends). We have to have the election soon.

“The date (for the dissolution) may be anytime in November, whether after the Sarawak Budget or perhaps two weeks after that,” he told reporters after attending Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) 2026 programme here yesterday.

According to media reports, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting will be from October 12-21. — Bernama