KUCHING: It is an "open secret" that the Sarawak state election will be held soon, says a Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leader.

       Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (pic) said the Election Commission (EC) was now conducting briefings and courses for returning officers throughout the state.

       "What can you presume from that? That the election is just around the corner," he said when contacted on Thursday (Oct 21).

       Earlier on Thursday, Karim said the state election could take place next month.

       "Melaka is going to have a snap election in November. I will not be surprised if the Sarawak election is also in November," he told reporters after a briefing on a road project in Kampung Tambirat near here.

       On rumours of the impending dissolution of the Sarawak legislative assembly, Karim said to wait for an announcement in the coming one or two days.

       For GPS, he added, it was important to go back to the people for a fresh mandate as the state legislature's term was supposed to expire on June 6.

       "As I've said many times, I don't want to be in extra time," he said.