THE six-month extension of the emergency in Sarawak is in line with the state government’s stand in giving priority to the safety and welfare of the people, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.

He said with the emergency proclamation announced today, which is to take effect from August 2, 2021 to February 2, 2022, the Sarawak state elections can be postponed to a date when the Covid-19 epidemic abates and no longer poses a threat to Sarawak folks.

“We thank and support the decree of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to proclaim the Emergency and extend the Emergency Ordinance in the State of Sarawak,” he said in a statement today.

He said according to the ordinance, the emergency could be terminated earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after considering the views of the Sarawak Government.

“With this provision, it is assured that the mandate of the people will be obtained as soon as the pandemic situation is under control. What’s important (is) this will only happen based on scientific data and professional advice and the safety and health of the people of Sarawak will not be compromised before the state election is held. 

“We thank His Majesty for his wisdom in ensuring that state election could only be held when the pandemic in the state is already under control and would not affect the safety of the people,” he said.

Earlier, the Agong proclaimed a six-month emergency in Sarawak, from August 2, 2021 to February 2, 2022, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, thus suspending the state election for that period.

In a federal gazette dated July 30, the Agong decreed that the purpose of the emergency is to prevent a Covid-19 outbreak that may occur if the state elections are held. – Bernama, July 31, 2021.