SARAWAK could move towards a state election within weeks of tabling its 2027 Budget, with the Legislative Assembly potentially being dissolved in November, state minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.
Abdul Karim, the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, said the assembly could be dissolved either after the state Budget 2027 is passed or about two weeks later.
The state budget is expected to be tabled during the Legislative Assembly sitting scheduled from Oct 12 to 21.
He said the state government was unlikely to allow the current assembly to run until its mandate expires in February 2027.
“It is rare for a Menteri Besar, Chief Minister and, in Sarawak’s context, Premier, to allow the state assembly to dissolve on its own. Usually, they will seek its dissolution.
“So, when we look at October now, followed by November and December, there are only a few months left. We need to hold an election soon.
“The date (for dissolution) could be any time in November, either after the Sarawak Budget or perhaps two weeks after that,” he told reporters at the Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) 2026 programme in Kuching on Wednesday.
The comments provide the clearest indication yet of a possible November dissolution, although the final decision rests with the Premier. - October 8, 2026
