CM: Sarawak govt in 'injury time' waiting for penalty shootout

 

Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg is using the analogy of football to explain the position of the Sarawak government now following rumours that the 12th state election would be held soon.

In a media conference after the Meet in Malaysia@Sarawak event today, he said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under his leadership is now in “injury time” following the end of the existing state legislative assembly term.

“I am in a dilemma. Currently, we (GPS government) are in injury time. Some asked how can I be the chief minister when there is no mandate.

“If we seek the mandate from the people (by holding state election) now to elect the government, (some parties) will claim we are afraid of Undi18. Our position is clear, we respect democracy. We also want 18-year-olds to vote. To us, our (mandate) has expired … waiting for penalty kicks only,” he quipped.

Asked on the suitable date for the state election to be held, Abang Johari said he is leaving the matter to the Election Commission to decide.

“It’s up to EC to set the date. We are still under an emergency, if it is lifted, then the state constitution can operate (as normal),” he said.

On July 31, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed the emergency to go on in Sarawak until Feb 2 following the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic and thereby postponing the state election for the period.

According to Clause (3) of Article 21 of the State Constitution, the Sarawak assembly should have been dissolved on June 7, but the clause has no power under paragraph 15 (1) (a) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 which suspends the dissolution.

However, Section 2 (2) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021, issued following the Sarawak Emergency Proclamation, states that His Majesty can terminate the proclamation earlier after consultation with the Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

- Bernama 

✍ Credit given to the original owner of this post : ☕ Malaysians Must Know the TRUTH

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