Adenan's New Year promise - Elections in three months time

KUCHING: The much anticipated Sarawak Election is likely to be held in the next three months, going by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem's revelation.

Adenan told thousands at a New Year's Eve countdown here: "I want you all to promise with me - I have fulfilled my promises - three months more, I hope you will fulfil your promises. Promise to give me five more years.

"I want to find out whether you would fulfil the promise come election time. Together we keep our promises. Peaceful and progressive will be Sarawak."

The state Government organised the countdown to mark the abolishment of the third and last toll bridge in Sarawak.

Adenan offered no other clues on the election dates, but it was the first time he had been specific with a time frame. Last August, Adenan surprised reporters saying he had "decided" on the election date, but did not elaborate.

Last night in the rest of his 17-minute speech, Adenan focused on the "45 to 50 decisions" he said he had made since becoming Chief Minister on March 1, 2014.

Adenan said he would retire after one full term. "I'm 71 today, I'll be 76 then. Enough".

He confirmed that senior members of his party would be retained as candidates, including deputy PBB president, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is Satok assemblyman.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Barisan Nasional secretary general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi told The Star the election could be held in the first quarter of the year.

"Well, he (Adenan) is the decider, if he said it's within three months, then it is within three months," Dr Rundi said.

Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the campaign period and polling date is determined by the Election Commission. Adenan can only dissolve the State Legislative Assembly, paving the way for elections.

A Barisan component party chief told The Star after the event that he still suspected the polling date would be in April.