KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Legislative Assembly wrapped up its five-day session with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor indicating he is still waiting for the right moment to call the state elections due by the end of the year.
Hajiji left open the possibility of serving the full five-year term despite speculation that the recently concluded assembly session might be the last before dissolution.
"Let me think about it, that is my true answer," he said with a smile when asked by reporters at the end of the assembly meeting that concluded on Thursday (April 17).
"Actually, our term will end this November. Our term is till then," he explained.
However, Hajiji emphasised that he will consult with all component parties under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and their colleagues in Sabah Pakatan Harapan Plus before deciding to dissolve the current state assembly.
"We need to meet and discuss first. Not just among ourselves in GRS but also with our partners in the state government. Only then can we decide on the right time to call for an election," Hajiji said.
Responding to Sabah Barisan Nasional-Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's recent statement that Sabah Barisan had decided to choose Sabah Pakatan as their electoral partner in the upcoming election, Hajiji acknowledged it as their view.
"That is the view of Barisan. We are the ruling government in Sabah today. But, for the good of the people, we will not close doors for negotiations with any other parties," he said.
In January 2023, Sabah Barisan, led by Bung Moktar, quit the GRS coalition government in a failed political coup to end the opposition, while Sabah Pakatan and state Umno defecting assemblymen (known as Plus) teamed up with Hajiji's GRS.
Political circles widely see a push for Pakatan, Barisan, and GRS to work together to reflect the political working relationship of the federal unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"What's important is the political stability and unity. That is my hope. As long as it brings goodness to the state and the people, we are open for discussion," Hajiji said.
Hajiji also stressed that the current state government remains in power and will continue focusing on delivering various developments and resolving issues faced by the people.
"Do not forget... whatever is said, we are the government of the day, and we set the agenda for the state," said Hajiji.
