KUCHING, March 21 (Bernama) — The Sarawak state assembly was dissolved today, paving the way for the 10th state election.
Speaker Datuk Seri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar told a news conference here that the proclamation of the dissolution, signed by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, was received this morning.
He said that the notice of dissolution would be handed over to Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof tomorrow.
The EC is expected to meet here on Wednesday to decide on the dates for the nomination and polling.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud announced on Saturday that the state assembly would be dissolved today.
Barisan Nasional controls 63 of the 71-seat assembly after Engkilili assemblyman, Dr Jonical Rayong Ngipa, who contested on an opposition Sarawak National Party (SNAP) ticket in the last state election on May 20, 2006, joined the BN last year.
DAP controls six seats while Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), through an Independent representative, control a seat each. — BERNAMA