Malaysia: King lifts emergency in Sarawak, paves way for state election

• The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has assented to lifting the state of emergency in Sarawak, paving way for the holding of a long-delayed state election within 60 days.
• In a statement today, the palace’s grand chamberlain Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini said the decision was made after the king held an audience with Sarawak governor Abdul Taib Mahmud at the palace yesterday.
• “His Majesty has expressed his concern on the risk of increasing the spread of Covid-19 if the Sarawak election is held. In His Majesty’s judgement, the country is still facing the threat of Covid-19 with the current spread of the disease still worrying.”
• “His Majesty’s assent to end the proclamation of emergency is a difficult and complicated decision. Nevertheless, it has been assented to fulfil the needs of democracy and restore power to the people to make a choice and give a mandate for the formation of a new government.
• According to the Health Ministry’s CovidNow website, 91% of Sarawak’s adult population has received full Covid-19 vaccination.

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