Sarawak chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. — Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 — Sarawak could hold early polls if long-serving chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud steps down in line with recent speculation.

The Malay language daily Berita Harian reported today that the Sarawak State Assembly may be dissolved prematurely, before the current term ends in April 2016.

According to the paper, state level security forces, including police, will hold a briefing on Sarawak’s preparedness for its next state level election on Monday.

The briefing, to be held at the chief minister’s office, is adding to the speculation of early polls, it added.

Taib , 77, has served as chief minister of Sarawak for over three decades.

The last election in the state was held in April 2011, in which the Barisan Nasional coalition retained its two-thirds majority.

Local media reports suggest that he will announce a timeline for his resignation at a party meeting this weekend.

National news agency Bernama reported that Taib would hold meetings with his party members and ruling coalition allies over the weekend and was expected to make an “important announcement”.

Media reports, meanwhile, suggest that Taib is expected to take up a ceremonial role as Sarawak governor.