Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state administration remains unaffected over reports that two Sabah assemblymen and a member of the public are expected to be charged in connection with a mining corruption case.
Commenting on a statement by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who confirmed that the trio would be prosecuted, Hajiji said the due process must be allowed to take its course.
“I don’t think this will affect the government. What matters is that the legal process must proceed.
“Let the court decide whether they are guilty or not. They also have the right to clear their names,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
He was speaking during a visit to Dewan Sri Putatan, which is serving as a temporary shelter for victims of the recent fire in Petagas and Bukit Vor.
Hajiji said the state election will be held soon, though the exact timing of the state assembly’s dissolution remains his sole discretion.
Asked about speculation that the Assembly may be dissolved as early as next month, Hajiji declined to confirm the rumours.
“That’s for me to think about. Others don’t need to think too much,” he said.
Hajiji confirmed that preliminary discussions have been held with current partners Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding cooperation in the election.
He said further talks are expected before the formal dissolution of the state assembly.
“There has been an initial discussion with PH, and we will complete it soon – before the dissolution,” he said.
Hajiji has previously indicated his preference for continuing the working relationship between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah PH, which has governed the state in partnership since 2022 after a falling out with Sabah Barisan Nasional.
However, the national PH leadership has also announced an electoral pact with BN, adding uncertainty to the alliance dynamics in Sabah and raising questions about seat negotiations and potential electoral clashes with GRS in Sabah.
Sabah is expected to head to the polls for its 17th state election (PRN17) in the coming months or face automatic dissolution by November.
The eight component GRS currently governs in partnership with Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH), which comprises three components.
