Dato Gerawat Gala
MIRI (May 18): Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had every opportunity to call for the state election prior to the declaration of Emergency but refrained from doing as he preferred to put the people’s safety above politics, said State Legislative Assembly (DUN) deputy speaker Dato Gerawat Gala.
He was referring to the recent statement by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak information chief Abun Sui Anyit that the Chief Minister and Gabungan Parti Sarawak would manipulate the Emergency Ordinance (EO) so as not to dissolve the DUN by June 6, which he described as baseless, malicious and contradictory.
“Abun Sui’s allegation that the Chief Minister and GPS are manipulating the EO to extend the term of DUN beyond 6 June 2021 is baseless and ridiculous because YAB CM and GPS had every intention to hold the state election since July 2020,” he said.
Gerawat also questioned PKR’s eagerness for the next state election to be held soon when GPS held back despite having the advantage of strength and incumbency.
Abang Johari decided to defer the state election after assessing the Covid-19 situation, giving top priority to the people’s health and safety, a decision justified by the subsequent declaration of Emergency in January 2021 by Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to curb the rising Covid-19 cases.
Gerawat also dismissed Abun’s call for the Chief Minister and Head of State to seek an audience with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for an Order to be issued to dissolve DUN on June 6 this year, saying the idea was completely misconceived, self serving, politically motivated and driven by the desire for the state election to be held regardless of the Covid-19 situation and the health and safety of the rakyat.
Pointing to Section 15 and 18 of the EO which supersede Article 21(3) and any other related provisions of Sarawak’s State Constitution, he said: “How can he insist on applying the provisions of the State Constitution relating to dissolution of DUN when such provisions have been superseded by the EO. It’s like barking at shadows or at the moon.”