Sarawak to dissolve state assembly, setting up polls within 60 days

Sarawak's Legislative Assembly will be dissolved on Monday (Oct 26), The Straits Times and CNA reported. The Election Commission now has 60 days to hold a state election. Premier Abang Johari Openg announced the dissolution at a press conference in Kuching on Friday after Governor Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar gave his consent.

The Straits Times, carrying a Bloomberg report, said the vote will be Malaysia's fourth state election this year. It comes as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition is under mounting pressure after a run of electoral setbacks. Anwar's Pakatan Harapan recently suffered major defeats in Johor and Negeri Sembilan to Barisan Nasional, its partner in the federal government, and the opposition Perikatan Nasional. The two groups worked together in both states and are expected to do so again at the Melaka election on Nov 14.

Sarawak has been dominated by local parties in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, which won 76 of the 82 seats at the December 2021 election. CNA said the then-opposition Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) won four seats and the Democratic Action Party two. The Straits Times said Pakatan Harapan won only two seats and reported that GPS is favoured to keep control.

The assembly has changed since then. CNA, citing the New Straits Times, reported that PSB has dissolved. Three of its former assemblymen joined the Progressive Democratic Party, a GPS component. Another, See Chee How, who represents Batu Lintang, became an independent and has voiced support for Abang Johari. CNA described the election as a test of the GPS mandate under Abang Johari, who has led Sarawak since January 2017.

GPS backs Anwar's federal government but is pressing for more autonomy and control over the state's resources, The Straits Times said. Anwar has tried to placate Sarawak and neighbouring Sabah with greater recognition of state rights, higher development funds and more autonomy over local affairs. According to the Straits Times report, parties from the two Borneo states could again play kingmaker if the next national election, due in just over a year, produces a hung Parliament, as it did in 2022.

CNA said Sarawak's push for more control has included buying an airline and taking over a port and a bank. Through its wholly owned energy company, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), the state is seeking regulatory control over hydrocarbon reserves within its territory. That challenges national oil company Petronas' monopoly over Malaysia's oil and gas reserves.

With 82 seats, Sarawak's is the largest legislative assembly in the country. Local media reported it is expected to grow to 99 seats after the Election Commission approved 17 new constituencies. However, the Borneo Post quoted commission chairman Ramlan Harun as saying a redelineation review is not expected to be finished in time for this election.

CNA said the commission is scheduled to meet to set the polling date. Local media earlier quoted state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as saying the vote could be held in December, with Dec 12 or Dec 19 as possible dates.

Sources: The Straits Times, Sarawak heads for state polls as pressure mounts for Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim; CNA, Sarawak state assembly to be dissolved on Oct 26, paving way for election within 60 days.