Hajiji’s office rejects talk of dissolving state assembly

 The Sabah chief minister's office said he would be leaving for Jakarta tomorrow for the annual Malaysia-Indonesia talks.

Hajiji Noor at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah annual convention which ended today. Political observers had speculated he would call for elections after the convention. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Sabah government has dismissed rumours that chief minister Hajiji Noor will seek the dissolution of the state assembly tomorrow (July 28) to pave the way for elections.

The chief minister’s office said he would be leaving for Jakarta tomorrow to attend the annual Malaysia-Indonesia consultation between leaders of the two countries, the Borneo Post reported.

Talk of dissolution had followed the conclusion of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah’s convention today. Political observers had previously speculated that Hajiji could call an election before National Day on Aug 31 or after Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

A viral report had claimed Hajiji would advise the governor on July 29 or July 30 to dissolve the state assembly, and speculated that polling would be held on Sept 20.

The Sabah state assembly’s term expires on Nov 11 this year, if not dissolved earlier. Elections must be held within 60 days of dissolution. - FMT