Notice of vacancy for Jepak state seat sent to EC, says S'wak Speaker

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Assembly notified the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday (Sept 19) of the vacancy for the N67 Jepak state seat following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip on Friday (Sept 15).

Sarawak Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said he had submitted an email to EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh on the notice of vacancy as required under Article 21 (5) of the Sarawak State Constitution.

“Under Article 21(5), whenever the seat of an elected member has become vacant for any reason other than a dissolution, the vacancy shall, within 60 days from the date on which it is established by the Election Commission that there is a vacancy, be filled by election in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said the term for the current state assembly would only end on Feb 14, 2027, and since the seat became vacant more than two years before the end of the term, a by-election must be held.

“As the unexpected vacancy of the seat takes place more than two years before the state assembly is automatically dissolved, a by-election must be held according to Article 21(5) of the Sarawak State Constitution,” he said. - Bernama