Abang Johari urges parties to respect law as Sarawak heads for polls

KUCHING, Oct 23 — In an announcement, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg revealed that some Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) assemblymen are willing to step aside for new candidates in the upcoming Sarawak state election. Abang Johari stated that the coalition's lineup will include a blend of experienced leaders and younger faces, with new contenders expected to participate.

He clarified that these incumbents did not face expulsion but rather opted to drop out. Quoting reporters, Abang Johari added that the final candidate selection would be determined in a GPS meeting, though the exact number of new faces had not been fixed. When questioned about defending his Gedong seat, Abang Johari responded, "Gine fikir kitak (What do you think)?"

Earlier, he informed that the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) would be dissolved on October 26 to set the stage for the next state election, dispelling speculation about when the dissolution would take place. The 82-member DUN currently features 79 GPS assemblymen, two DAP representatives, and one independent assemblyman in coalition.

The next election will proceed with the existing 82-seat setup, as plans to expand the DUN to 99 seats will not be feasible before the polls. The Election Commission will disclose the election schedule, including nomination and polling dates.