DUN dissolution after tabling of Sarawak Budget?

KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) could be dissolved within two weeks after the tabling of the Sarawak Budget, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) Information Chief, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the possibility was an “open secret” as the current term of the state legislature assembly is due to expire in December.

“It could be after the Sarawak Budget or two weeks after that. However, the dissolution of DUN is the prerogative of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the state must hold a state election soon as the current term is nearing its end, with October already underway.

Speaking to reporters after officiating at the fifth season of the Women’s Future of Sarawak 2026 (SWOT) programme at Damai Lagoon Resort here on Wednesday (Oct. 7), he said sufficient time must be given to the Election Commission (EC) to set the nomination and polling dates.

“We now have a short period, so we need to take into consideration the EC’s requirements in determining the nomination and polling dates,” he said.

He said the upcoming DUN sitting scheduled from October 12 to 21 must first take place as it would be the State Budget sitting following the tabling of the National Budget.

“The National Budget will be tabled this Friday, followed by the tabling of the State Budget,” he said.

Abdul Karim explained that the DUN would normally be dissolved by the state leadership rather than being allowed to automatically expire at the end of its term.

“If the DUN were to dissolve automatically after the term ends in December, the EC would have to hold the election within 60 days, meaning by February,” he said.

The state election is expected to be closely watched as the timing of the DUN dissolution will determine the subsequent nomination and polling dates.