The decision on when the Sarawak state election (PRN) will be held is still some time away, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Amid growing speculation over the timing of the polls, Abang Johari indicated that there is no immediate plan to announce an election date.
“It is still a long way off,” he said when asked whether the PRN date would be announced soon.
He made the remarks after officiating the opening ceremony of Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) Kuching at its multipurpose hall on Saturday.
When pressed on whether the state election could be held this year, Abang Johari responded cautiously, saying, “Who knows, you can do the calculations yourselves.”
He reiterated that a state election must be held once the current term expires, as required under the Constitution.
“When the term ends, an election must be held,” he said.
The last Sarawak state election was held on Dec 18, 2021.
Abang Johari’s comments came following recent remarks by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who said Sarawak is expected to hold its state election this year as the five-year term draws to a close.
However, the Premier’s response suggests that there are no immediate plans to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), with the timing of the election still some distance away.
Meanwhile, addressing a separate matter, Abang Johari provided an update on the construction of Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary Schools in other parts of the state.
He said construction is currently underway in Miri, located in the Bekenu area, with the tender already awarded, while a similar project in Bintulu is also in progress.
