MIRI: In light of the Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday, state DAP expects the state polls to be called some time during school holidays in September.
DAP Sarawak secretary Alan Ling Sie Kiong said he would not be surprised if the prime minister gives the nod to a snap election in view of the latest developments.
The term of the State Legislative Assembly expires in June next year and the state election must be held latest by Aug 20.
But many believe that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem would call a snap election before the term runs out.
Ling believes that it is likely to be sooner rather than later as the federal political scene would impact the state.
“This will enable him (Najib) to drop all his critics and pick his ‘own people’ to safeguard his weak position within BN-Umno,” he said.
He was commenting on the dropping of Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and four Cabinet ministers in a reshuffle announced by Najib yesterday.
In the reshuffle Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal was replaced by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G Palanivel was replaced by Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek was replaced by Datuk Hamzah Zainudin while Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin was replaced by Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Alan doubted if Najib is confident of BN retaining power if a snap general election is held.
“The opposition pact though currently loose may see a possible materialisation of a post-BN and post PR model of federal government after the national polls,” he opined.
He said the nation needs a new government to take charge and rescue its deteriorating economy and financial position, and to execute total revamp.
Alan, who defeated former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan Hong Nam in Piasau in the last state election, said this was a crucial period for the country to ring in wholesale changes.
He suggested that Adenan as chief minister and Sarawak BN chairman call all the 25 Sarawak BN MPs for an urgent meeting to discuss the future of the country.-Borneo Post
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