KUALA LUMPUR:Sarawak will proceed with the 12th State Election despite knowing that the country is still facing the COVID-19 crisis, said Datuk Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to the Chairman of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the 12th PRN will still be held based on Sarawak's ability to handle the pandemic effectively at this time.

"(However) if the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) can continue the mandate, I do not mind not holding state elections," he said.

According to Abang Johari, the matter refers to the opposition parties who voiced that the PRN should not be held when the country is facing this difficult time.

He further explained that election matters are internal matters and do not involve the intervention of 'outsiders'.

However, no indication was given by the Sarawak Chief Minister regarding the actual date of the next election.

He said the mandate for the state government would end in June 2021 and when it reached maturity, the Sarawak State Assembly (DUN) would automatically be dissolved.

Therefore, he said, PRN should be held within 60 days after its dissolution.

He said this at the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Convention in Kuching on Sunday.