THE Sarawak state assembly will continue to function until August 1, by virtue of the declaration of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, Speaker Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar said today.

He said pursuant to Article 21(3) of the Sarawak constitution, the tenure of the state legislative assembly is supposed to end today, but this provision has been temporarily suspended because it is superseded by the Emergency Ordinance 2021 promulgated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Today is the last day of the term of the 18th Sarawak state assembly. By tomorrow, the state assembly should therefore be dissolved pursuant to Article 21(3) of the state constitution.

“(But due to the emergency) the state assembly and all its 82 honourable members and the ministers will continue to perform their duties and responsibilities under the umbrella and protection of the Emergency Ordinance,” he said in a statement.

Asfia said he will inform the Election Commission chairman that the state assembly is not dissolved today and it will continue its term until August 1. – Bernama, June 6, 2021.