The 13th Sarawak state election could be held as early as December, with the dissolution of the state legislative assembly expected soon, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.
Karim said the timing would ultimately depend on Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg, who has the authority to decide when to dissolve the assembly.
The current assembly’s five-year term will expire in February 2027. Once it is dissolved, the Election Commission (EC) must hold the state election within 60 days.
“Some say it could be held as late as February, but I see December as the likely period, based on the assembly’s five-year term,” he told reporters today.
Karim explained that if the assembly were dissolved in late October or November, the EC would need time to meet, set the election dates and determine the campaign period, which typically lasts about two weeks.
He said January or February would be less suitable because of several festive celebrations and Ramadan, leaving a narrower window for the polls.
“So, we only have November and the first half of December. It may happen, or it may not. Everything depends on when the assembly is dissolved.
“I can say that the dissolution will take place soon,” he said.
Karim, who is the information chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP), said Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was prepared for the election, adding that opposition parties were also expected to be making their own preparations.
He said the selection of GPS candidates would be decided by the coalition’s top leadership, but anticipated some changes to the line-up to ensure leadership continuity.
“At every election, at least 10 per cent of candidates may be replaced, and among the 10 to 30 per cent of new candidates, we must also take into account the roles of women and young people,” he said.
On GPS’s chances of retaining its two-thirds majority in the 82-seat assembly, Karim said the coalition was confident but would not take any constituency for granted.
“Every seat is important. We cannot assume there are white, grey or black seats because we must respect voters and ensure they have the best elected representatives,” he said.
Asked whether he would defend the Asajaya seat, which he has held for about 25 years, Karim said the decision would be left to Abang Johari.
He added that he was willing to step aside to make way for younger candidates if the leadership deemed it appropriate.
“I am ready to make way and support whoever is chosen. But I leave that decision to the Premier,” he said.
