PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to call a special press conference on Friday (Oct 22) relating to the dissolution of the Sarawak state assembly.

       The state assembly expired on June 6, 2021, but polls had been put off after a national Emergency was declared due to Covid-19.

       But after the Emergency was lifted on Aug 1, another Emergency was declared in Sarawak until February next year.

       A source in Gabungan Parti Sarawak, which is the ruling state government, said the Sarawak legislative assembly will most likely be dissolved before Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob makes an official visit to the state.

       The dissolution of the assembly would pave the way for the 12th state election to be held.

       The source said that he was told by top leaders in his party that the dissolution of the assembly would be announced on Saturday.

       "I was told maybe it will be this Saturday when the PM comes to the state. Only top people (in my party) know about it (the dissolution) and those at the grassroots are unaware of it," said the spokesman who belongs to a component party of the GPS government.