Sabah CM hints at possible state polls announcement after late July party meet

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said today 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 signalled that an announcement may follow Parti Gagasan Rakyat's general assembly at the end of July.
'Not yet. We'll hold the general assembly meeting at the end of July first,' he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian after officiating the Sulaman Gagasan Rakyat Division's annual conference in Tuaran today.
Hajiji, who is also Gagasan Rakyat president and Sulaman division chief, was responding to questions about whether the assembly would be dissolved to pave the way for the 17th Sabah state election.
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman said the ruling coalition is prepared to face any challengers in the polls.
'GRS is ready to face anyone in the upcoming election. That is our stance, but any decision on political cooperation must be made by the GRS supreme council,' he reportedly said.
Hajiji also backed GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali's recent comments supporting a straight fight between GRS and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state polls.
'I support his view, but no final decision has been made. This is not coming from us — BN has stated they're not interested. We shouldn't force anyone if they're unwilling,' he added.
Armizan had earlier said he personally agreed with Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin that GRS and BN should contest separately.
Hajiji said this year's Gagasan Rakyat general assembly would be significant as it comes ahead of the state election, expected soon.
In his speech, he urged party members to take lessons from the current political climate and counter opposition misinformation on social media.
He expressed confidence that his Sulaman seat, which he has held since 1990, would remain under GRS, along with the other three state seats in the Tuaran parliamentary constituency — Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu.

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