The Sarawak state government has announced the dissolution of the state legislative assembly effective Oct 26 to pave the way for the state election.

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg announced this in a special press conference earlier.

He stated that the dissolution received the assent of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri to enable the election to be held to choose a new state government.

"His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri has assented to my request to dissolve the state legislative assembly.

"The Yang di-Pertua Negeri, in accordance with Article 21 (2) of the Sarawak state constitution, has consented to the dissolution effective from Oct 26," he said, adding that the Election Commission will be officially notified of the dissolution to allow the necessary preparations to begin.

The Sarawak 13th state election will be held within 60 days.

Abang Johari added that during this period, the government will discharge its duties in a caretaker government capacity.

He also urged the competing parties to maintain harmony while fulfilling their democratic responsibilities.

In the previous state election on Dec 18, 2021, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak led by Abang Johari won 76 out of 82 seats, while Parti Sarawak Bersatu won four, and DAP won two.