He said the state government has to take into consideration two major factors – the health situation and the expiry of the term of the state assembly.
“We want to continue to protect our people and help in the recovery of the economy. But we will not have the mandate to do so once the state assembly automatically dissolves in April. A state election must be held by June.
“So, we need to seek a fresh mandate from the people to allow us to protect Sarawak.
“It is not that we are crazy about maintaining power,” he told reporters after announcing new measures under the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 4.0 stimulus package at Wisma Bapa today.
Asked if the election would be held this year, Abang Johari said “50:50”.
He said although it could not be predicted how long the state will continue to report single-digit Covid-19 cases, no one could guarantee it will be safer next year.
He said the GPS government will seek advice from the health ministry and health experts before dissolving the state assembly, adding that New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea had held their elections during the pandemic without seeing a new wave of cases.
“It is important for the Election Commission to set stringent SOPs and we will ensure our leaders and people follow the guidelines,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari announced that the government had allocated RM104.84 million to implement BKSS 4.0, with seven extended measures.
These measures include a one-off RM500 assistance to e-hailing drivers; 50% discount for Housing Development Corporation residential unit rentals; 50% discount for market and stall rentals; and water and electric bill discounts for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers until December.
He said the government will also waive permit and licence fees for traders, hawkers, night market traders and tamu operators, and rentals for small- and medium-sized enterprises in the retail sector operating from premises owned by state government-linked companies and statutory bodies, during the period.
He also said previous BKSS packages, amounting to RM2.55 billion, had benefitted 3.08 million people from various groups over the past six months, including the B40 group, frontliners, and those in the transport, tourism and business sectors.