THE Sarawak constitution should be amended to extend the term of the current assembly “beyond five years until it is safe for the election”, a Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) assemblyman has proposed.

First-term rep Gerald Rentap Jabu (Layar) made the proposal while debating the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Covid-19 bill in the assembly today.

Sarawak has to call a state election between now and June 6, 2021, to fulfil the constitutional requirement for a sitting government’s term of office.

“We should look into longer measures in the sense that we should extend the period of our legislature until we reach a safer time to have elections.

“I don’t want blood on my hands, when it comes to people getting sick because of the election,” he said.

The son of former deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu cited the spread of Covid-19 from Sabah to other parts of the country following state elections there in September as an example, warning that Sarawak could face a similar fate.

“The lives and livelihood of the peoples of Sarawak will similarly likely be severe, and the social and democratic fallout would be adverse beyond comprehension,” he said.

Jabu said his proposal had precedent, citing the extension to the term of the Council Negeri (as the state assembly was known then) in 1968.

Article 21(3A) of the state constitution is still on the statute books, he added.

“If indeed there are expressions of support for this proposal, then perhaps a ministerial motion to such effect would be in order.”

He stressed that such a motion must be unanimously and wholly supported by all members of the legislature, or he would be accused of undermining democracy despite the good will of his proposal. – November 10, 2020.