KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak is gearing up for early state elections, with the State Legislative Assembly expected to be dissolved in November—likely within two weeks of passing its Budget 2027.
Senior state minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah dropped the clearest hint yet that Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will call a snap poll rather than allow the assembly to run its full course until its mandate expires in February 2027.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after the Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) 2026 program, Abdul Karim confirmed that the budget will be tabled during the upcoming assembly sitting scheduled for Oct. 12–21.
“Rarely would a Menteri Besar, Chief Minister or, in Sarawak’s context, the Premier, allow the state assembly to dissolve automatically, as they would usually seek its dissolution,” Abdul Karim said.
“So, when we look at the situation now, it is already October… and there are only a few months left [until the term ends]. We have to have the election soon,” he added.
“The date [for the dissolution] may be anytime in November, whether after the Sarawak Budget or perhaps two weeks after that.”
With the budget debate set for mid-October, a November dissolution puts Sarawak on track for a late-2026 state election, keeping to the state’s long-standing tradition of early calls over automatic expiration. – October 8, 2026