KUCHING (Nov 4): Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been given full mandate to decide on the coalition’s candidates for the 13th Sarawak state election (PRN13). 

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Sarawak deputy premier, said the agreement was reached by all GPS component parties at a coalition meeting held earlier. 

“Everyone agreed and supported giving Abang Johari the mandate to make the final decision on candidate selection,” he told reporters after attending a PBB Supreme Working Council meeting on Wednesday. 

On Oct 23, Abang Johari, who is also Sarawak premier, announced that the Sarawak state legislative assembly would be dissolved effective Oct 26 to pave the way for PRN13. 

The Election Commission (EC) will hold a special meeting on Nov 6 to discuss key dates and other matters related to the state election. 

GPS comprises four component parties, namely PBB, Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP). 

Meanwhile, commenting on the possibility of PRN13 being held during the Northeast Monsoon, Uggah said the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) would liaise with the EC for monitoring and coordination based on the latest weather forecast developments. 

“We do not yet know when the election will be held, but we have been informed that the monsoon season has begun and will continue until March next year,” he said. 

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