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MIRI – The top brass of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is expected to file a petition to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to extend the state of emergency in Sarawak, so state polls can be put on hold due to the increasing Covid-19 Delta infections.
A source from the coalition told The Vibes today that there are growing voices of concern over the Delta variant.
“GPS party leaders have been speaking to each other and with the chief minister (Datuk Abang Johari Openg) about the state polls, which should be held within 60 days of the expiry of the emergency on August 1.
“There are growing calls from GPS component parties’ leaders to the chief minister to officially petition the king to help avoid state polls at this time.
“We are especially concerned about the harm that the Delta variant can cause if an election is held now.
“There will be mass movement of people throughout the state, (like) what happened in Sabah during its state polls (last September),” said the source, adding that Sabah saw a surge in Covid-19 infections and deaths after its election.
Another GPS component party leader shares similar sentiments.
“The chief minister did not commit himself to the need for the emergency to be extended in Sarawak, but said he needs to consult the governor and Agong,” said the source.
“The decision on whether to extend the emergency in the state is in the hands of the king.”
GPS secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi yesterday said the coalition is willing to listen to the views of and agree with opposition parties on not having an election at this time.
The nationwide emergency proclamation is set to expire on August 1.
This means that Sarawak must hold its 12th state election within 60 days as the previous term had ended on June 6.
The state assembly was supposed to automatically expire on June 7, but the Agong had advised GPS to continue administering until after the end of the emergency.
Sarawak has 82 constituencies, with GPS controlling 68. – The Vibes, July 28, 2021
