KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has proclaimed a six-month emergency in Sarawak, from Aug 2 to Feb 2, 2022, in a bid to combat the raging Covid-19 pandemic.
This effectively suspends the state election, which was due within 60 days from Aug 2.
In a government gazette dated July 30, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah decreed that the proclamation of the emergency is to suspend the state election to prevent any further increase in the spread of Covid-19.
The King decreed that a grave emergency existed, threatening security, the economy, and public order.
The gazette also stated that the Sarawak State Assembly should have dissolved on June 7, in accordance with Article 21 (3) of the Sarawak state constitution.
It also said the ongoing nationwide emergency which started on Jan 11, would end on Aug 2, thereby requiring the state election to be held 60 days from Monday, in accordance with Article 21 (4) of the state constitution.
The emergency declaration was issued on July 29 and would be brought before Parliament, pursuant to Article 150 (3) of the Federal Constitution.