KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information Chief, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, does not rule out the possibility of the Sarawak State Election being held earlier than 2027.
He said the State Assembly, like Parliament, carries a five-year mandate but can be dissolved at any point within that period.
He asserted that only the Premier as the state’s chief executive holds the authority to advise for dissolution before the term ends.
“Well, it can be next year,” Abdul Karim said when asked about rumours suggesting the election might take place in 2026.
“If the state is running smoothly, there is no need to call an election too early. But it seldom reaches full term.
“Waiting until the final months may be risky, so usually elections are held about four years or slightly more after polling,” he said after officiating the DayakDaily’s ‘Homestay Odyssey’ Writing Competition 2025 award ceremony here today.
Abdul Karim, who is Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Minister, said PBB, as one of the component parties in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), is fully prepared to face an election whenever it is called.
He noted that support for the coalition remained strong across all communities, reflecting pride and confidence in Sarawak’s progress under the current leadership.
“Presently, the good feeling in Sarawak is there. People are proud of what the state has achieved together.
“With that kind of sentiment, even if new constituencies are introduced, GPS will still have the upper hand.
“Regardless whether Chinese, Dayak or Malay, there is a sense of unity and belonging that strengthens Sarawak’s political stability,” he added.
The 12th Sarawak State Election was held on December 18, 2021.
The current GPS-led state government’s term officially ends on February 14, 2027, which is five years after the first sitting of the state assembly on February 14, 2022.
This means the next state election can be called anytime between now and February 2027.
Under Article 21(4) of the Sarawak Constitution, an election must be held within 60 days once the assembly is dissolved or reaches the end of its term.
This constitutional provision was applied during the 12th State Election, which was delayed to December 2021 despite the assembly expiring on June 6, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
