KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has refuted claims it was rushing to hold the state election due to fears of Undi18 affecting the outcome.

       The GPS Backbenchers Club said the claims by Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh were baseless and not backed by any facts.

       "The GPS government welcomes the participation of youths in the democratic process, enabling their voices to be heard as well as injecting political maturity in the current climate.

       "We are of the view that youths, when given the opportunity, can evaluate for themselves the quality of service rendered by the current state government, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of saving lives and ensuring livelihoods," it said in a statement on Friday (Oct 8).

       Wong had claimed on Thursday (Oct 7) that there was a movement within GPS to hold the state election soon ahead of the implementation of Undi18 by Dec 31.

       He said GPS should not prioritise politics and the polls over the people's health and wellbeing as Covid-19 cases were still high.

       The Sarawak legislative assembly's term was due to expire on June 6 this year, after which an election must be held within 60 days according to the state constitution, but this was suspended during the nationwide Emergency which was lifted on Aug 1.

       Sarawak is currently under a localised Emergency from Aug 2 to Feb 2 next year, which was proclaimed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to further suspend the state election and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

       The Backbenchers Club said GPS had a duty to uphold the constitution while ensuring the lives of the people.

       "As we know, the Sarawak legislative assembly passed its five-year term on June 6.

       "We regret that Wong tried to blame GPS for rushing the state election when the fact is that we all know it should be held as soon as possible for us not to go into a third 'extra time'," it said.