Abdul Karim: Earlier Sarawak assembly sitting should not be read as election signal

Shah Alam, August 23 — The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) considering a possible earlier sitting in October should not be interpreted as a signal for the next state election to be held in November, according to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He clarified that the DUN typically convenes at least twice annually and thus the shift from November to October does not necessarily indicate an election timeline.

"I also see it that way. Usually, the sitting is held in November. This time, it may be held in October after the National Budget," Abdul Karim stated after attending a Sukma XXII diving event at the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre. When asked about speculation that the Sarawak election may proceed in November following an earlier Assembly sitting, Abdul Karim did not entertain the notion.

"That is the premier's prerogative. If it is brought forward, there may be certain reasons for it, but I do not see it from that perspective. I see it more as part of the process where the Assembly needs to sit at least twice a year," he added. Abdul Karim also highlighted potential challenges in holding the state election using the 99 DUN seats approved by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly before the end of the year.

He pointed out that the delineation process by the Election Commission (EC) could take at least three months, which he deemed insufficient to facilitate the election. "Technically, I think the process would be quite difficult. It is not that it cannot be done, because I see that the EC already intends to display the proposed number of seats.

But the problem is that the process of displaying them takes time. At least three months, if I am not mistaken," Abdul Karim explained. The Bill to increase the number of DUN seats from 82 to 99 has received near-unanimous support in the Legislative Assembly and is now pending EC confirmation and parliamentary approval. However, the timeframe and process might not allow for the election to proceed before this year's conclusion.