THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong has given consent to lift the state of emergency in Sarawak to allow for state elections to take place, Istana Negara said in a statement today.

No date, however, was given as to when the proclamation will end.

The emergency in the state was extended until February next year to prevent the state elections from taking place due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

The palace said that the decision was made after consultation with Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Attorney-General Idrus Harun. 

“After taking into consideration the request by the Sarawak governor, along with advice from the prime minister, the attorney-general and other heads of agencies, the Agong has consented that the proclamation of emergency in Sarawak be lifted,” the palace said in a statement.

The Agong’s consent in ending the emergency proclamation is in line with Articles 40 and 40(1A) of the Federal Constitution.

The king is also still concerned that the state elections will lead to a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the state, the palace added.

“His Highness expressed his concern about the risk of infection if the elections are held. In his opinion, the threat of Covid-19 is still at a level of concern.

“His consent to ending the emergency is a complicated and difficult decision. However, it is for the sake of democracy and to return the mandate to the people to elect the next government.

“The king hopes the safety and the welfare of the people will be prioritised above personal and political gain,” the statement said.

Taib met with the Agong yesterday to convey his request that the emergency be ended.

At the same meeting were Idrus, Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Election Commission chief Abdul Ghani Salleh and National Security Council director-general Rodzi Md Saad.

The Agong also met with Ismail this morning for the prime minister’s weekly pre-cabinet meeting with the king.

The Sarawak assembly was dissolved in June and polls should have been held at the time.

The elections were suspended under a localised emergency declaration, from August 2 to February 2, 2022 in light of Covid-19. – November 3, 2021.