KUCHING: Many members of the public are looking forward to the 12th Sarawak state election following the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to lift Sarawak’s Proclamation of Emergency.
On Wednesday (Nov 3), His Majesty granted his consent to lift the Proclamation of Emergency for Sarawak, which went into effect on Aug 2 this year.
Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini stated the consent given by the King was in line with Article 40 and 40(1A) of the Federal Constitution.
The lifting of the Emergency Proclamation will indirectly pave the way for the 12th Sarawak state election after the term of the current State Legislative Assembly ended on June 6.
ABANG ZAYED HUDAIFY
(sailor)
I fully support the King’s decision because I believe it is only fair that Sarawak, like Melaka, holds its state election. After all, the election is solely for the purpose of electing the best government to serve our people.
MUADZAM ROSLI
(trainer)
I believe that the state election is what everyone has been waiting for. It has been postponed because of the Covid-19 situation in the state. I am fine if Sarawak holds the state election soon but I hope that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed to avoid another spike in the Covid-19 cases.
HUSNA AZRA
(clerk)
Holding a state election should be no problem because Sarawak has a high vaccination rate. However, to better protect the public from contracting the Covid-19 virus, it is preferable if a digital voting approach is adopted for those in the urban centres with high internet connectivity to avoid overcrowding and ensure a high voter turnout during the election.
HAMIZI HIPNY
(policeman)
The state election cannot be postponed any more as the ruling government requires a fresh mandate to continue in power. We must recognise that we are living in a new normal and all we need to do now is follow the SOPs provided and take precautionary measures to keep ourselves safe during the election.
LINCOLN DANA
(safety officer)
The lifting of the Proclamation of Emergency is fantastic news as Sarawak has been in a state of Emergency for quite some time now. We can expect to see new faces and new ideas competing in the upcoming state election in the hopes of improving the state’s governance. Well, if the king has given his consent, I hope that all relevant parties are prepared to allow the election to take place as soon as possible.
GERRALD EVAN
(surveyor)
I agree with the King’s decision to lift the Proclamation of Emergency because it will speed up the polling process in Sarawak Elections. It is time to return the power to the people by allowing them to select only the best leaders to lead them. Sarawak must hold its 12th state election as soon as possible to avoid any negative consequences such as power turmoil and other issues.
