Tuaran: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sunday that a date has yet to be set for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, amid speculation that it could take place by late July or early August.
However, he hinted that an announcement may be made after the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) General Assembly at the end of July.
“Not yet, we will meet first for the general assembly at the end of July,” he told reporters after officiating the Sulaman Gagasan Rakyat Division Annual Conference at Dewan Seri Sulaman, Sunday.
The Chief Minister, who is also Gagasan Rakyat President cum Sulaman Division Chief, was responding to questions about the possibility of dissolving the State Assembly in late July to pave the way for the 17th State Election.
Hajiji, who chairs the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, said the ruling coalition is prepared to face any opponent in state election.
However, he said decisions regarding political cooperation must be made by GRS Supreme Council.
“GRS is ready to face anyone in the coming election. That is our position, but any form of cooperation must be decided by the GRS Supreme Council,” he said.
He expressed support for GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali’s view that GRS should compete against Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state election.
“I support his opinion, but we have not made a final decision yet. This is not from me, but from BN party stating they are not interested. We should not force people if they are not interested,” said Hajiji.
He said this year’s Gagasan Rakyat Annual General Meeting is particularly important as it is being held ahead of the state election.
He urged party members to unite and strengthen their machinery for the coming election.
“My reminder and advice to Gagasan Rakyat and GRS members is to be united. Close ranks, strengthen the party machinery as we face the election that is not far away,” he said.
In his opening speech, the Chief Minister reminded party leaders and members to learn from the current political situation and counter lies spread by the opposition through social media.
Regarding the Sulaman seat he has held since 1990, Hajiji expressed confidence that it can continue to be defended under GRS in the state election.
He also wants the three other seats in the Tuaran parliamentary constituency - Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu - to remain under GRS control.
He indicated that GRS is more comfortable with the current government arrangement of GRS-PH Plus, saying this reflects the people’s sentiment on the ground.
