Abang Jo Expected To Announce Sarawak Assembly Dissolution Today Paving Way For State Polls

KUCHING, Oct 23 – Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is anticipated to officially announce the dissolution of the 18th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on Friday afternoon, October 23, 2026, clearing the path for state elections.

According to a media advisory issued by the Premier’s Office, a special press conference will take place at 3:30 PM at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Kuching.

Speculation surrounding the assembly’s premature dissolution has escalated rapidly across the state following the conclusion of the assembly’s final legislative sitting on Wednesday, October 21, during which the state legislature passed the Sarawak Budget 2027.

The 82-seat state assembly’s five-year mandate was originally scheduled to expire naturally in February 2027.

Historical Performance and State Election Mandate

Key political context, state assembly seats, and coalition history include:

• Gabungan Parti Sarawak Dominance: In the preceding 12th Sarawak State Election held on December 18, 2021, the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition under Abang Johari achieved a landslide victory, winning 76 of the 82 seats contested.
• Opposition Breakdown: Opposition parties secured six seats in the 2021 polls, with the now-dissolved Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) capturing four seats and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) securing two.
• Election Timeline: Following formal royal consent from Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and the dissolution announcement, the Election Commission (EC) will convene a special meeting to set nomination, early voting, and polling dates within 60 days.

–NMT