No Date Set for Dissolution of State Assembly : Hajiji

15 Jun 2025

TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has said that no date has been set for the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN), amidst ongoing speculation that it may take place at the end of July or early August.

However, he hinted that an announcement on the matter may be made following the General Assembly of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), scheduled for the end of July.

"Not yet. We will first hold the general assembly at the end of July," he said after officiating the Annual Conference of the Sulaman Division of Gagasan Rakyat at Dewan Seri Sulaman, Tuaran, on Sunday.

Hajiji, who is also President of Gagasan Rakyat and Head of its Sulaman Division, was responding to questions regarding the potential dissolution of the assembly in late July to pave the way for the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).

Meanwhile, Hajiji, who also serves as Chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), stressed that the ruling coalition is ready to face any opponent in PRN17.

He said this is GRS’s stance, but any decisions regarding political cooperation for the upcoming election must be made by the coalition’s Supreme Council (Ahli Majlis Tertinggi – AMT).

“GRS is prepared to face anyone in the upcoming state election. That is our position, but any form of cooperation must be decided by the GRS Supreme Council,” he said.

Hajiji also expressed support for the opinion of GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who agreed that GRS should face off against Barisan Nasional (BN) in PRN17.

“I support his view, but no final decision has been made. This didn’t come from me , BN themselves have indicated that they are not interested.

“We should not force anyone if they’re not interested,” he added.

Yesterday, Armizan stated that he personally agreed with Sabah UMNO Chief, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, that GRS and BN should go head-to-head in the upcoming election.

Hajiji further noted that this year’s Gagasan Rakyat Annual General Assembly is especially important as it comes just ahead of PRN17, which is expected to be held soon.

“As such, my advice to all members of Gagasan Rakyat and GRS is to remain united. Close ranks, strengthen the party machinery, and prepare for the upcoming election,” he said.

Earlier, in his opening speech, Hajiji urged leaders and members of Gagasan Rakyat and GRS to take heed of the current political situation and to counter falsehoods spread by the opposition via social media.

“We must be discerning, understand what is slander and lies, and what is actually being done by the government. Do not ever be swayed by the slander and lies propagated by the opposition.

“Let the opposition engage in slander, but as members of Gagasan Rakyat, we must stand firmly alongside our partners in GRS Plus, especially here in Sulaman,” he said.

He also commented on GRS’s position in the upcoming PRN17, particularly in relation to electoral partners.

“Many have asked me about our situation , who our allies will be, and where we will contest. Although no final decision has been made as I will still consult with GRS component parties, for now we are comfortable with the current GRS–PH Plus arrangement in government.

“This reflects the sentiment of the people on the ground today , this is what they want. Many other parties boast and talk big publicly, but I bring these matters to GRS. I don’t make decisions alone , that is my principle. Let the GRS Supreme Council decide our direction for the upcoming election,” he said.

On the Sulaman state seat, which he has held since 1990, Hajiji expressed confidence that it can continue to be retained under GRS in PRN17.

He also expressed his wish for the three other state seats in the Tuaran parliamentary constituency, Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli, and Kiulu ,to also remain under GRS’s control.