Sarawak State Election likely to be early 2016

WELL I have not made any plans for early next year because it is very likely that this is when the 11th State Election will be held.

Our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem revealed this on a live television interview.

“Maybe in the early part of next year. I believe this hint of the date could be happy news for all,” he said.

Historically State elections have been held in the early part of the year.

In 2011, it was held on April 16.

During the 2006 State election, the date chosen was May 20.

Technically though, our CM doesn’t have to call for the election until August.

“The State Legislative Assembly expires on June 20, 2016. It means that the election needs to be called within 60 days … so the state has until August,” he explained.

I personally would prefer to have the election earlier in the year so that we can get on with the business of transforming our State after getting a strong mandate for Adenan.

He has a real people-oriented transformation plan that requires the strong backing of Sarawakians.

Adenan has proven himself to be a CM for all Sarawakians – urban and rural; of all races and religious.

So Sarawakians, let’s get ready to ensure that Adenan Satem is our Chief Minister for another five years.

The story from The Borneo Post:

State election likely to be held early next year

KUCHING: The 11th state election would likely be held early next year.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem hinted on TV3’s ‘Question and Answer’ programme on Wednesday that there were several factors to be considered including the federal and state budget announcements at the end of the fiscal year and the rainy season in December.

“The State Legislative Assembly expires on June 20, 2016. It means that the election needs to be called within 60 days … so the state has until August,” he explained.

“Maybe in the early part of next year. I believe this hint of the date could be happy news for all.”

On the 11 new seats to be included in the state election, Adenan pointed out that the majority of the seats are in rural areas in order to amplify the voices of rural folk.

“Like I’ve repeatedly reiterated, there is a lot of catching up to do in the rural areas, which have been left behind from overall development. Our focus is to close the social and economic gap between the rural and urban areas as much as possible,” he said.

Having led Sarawak for 17 months now, Adenan said he was not bothered with the accusations of gerrymandering by certain parties, because his priority is to give people in rural areas a bigger voice.

“The first thought that came to mind when I think of Sarawak’s future is how can I help the poor and vulnerable groups get out from poverty.

“The issues between urban and rural areas are different, their concerns are different,” he said.

As such, Adenan reiterated that the government is committed and strives to serve the poor.

“Poverty in Sarawak is still high compared to other parts of Malaysia. There would be a bias to measure per capita income in rural Sarawak as there cannot be a single generalisation,” he said.

On whether Sarawak still remains a ‘safe deposit’ for BN, Adenan said he is optimistic of a big win for BN considering its track record.

“I believe the people still trust and have faith in the BN government even though things have been twisted a little. There may be a little chip here and there but not to be worried (about),” he said.

“Even the opposition also has the same problem. They are now in disarray without proper direction. There are a lot issues being manipulated by the opposition but we believe they will not influence the people, especially in rural areas.”