The Sabah State Assembly building.
KOTA KINABALU (July 27): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor will not be announcing the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday (July 28) to pave the way for the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
Public speculation had mounted following the conclusion of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah’s (Gagasan Rakyat) annual general convention at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Sunday.
However, an official from the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that Hajiji is scheduled to depart for Jakarta on Monday to attend the annual Malaysia-Indonesia consultation, where matters including the Sulawesi Sea are expected to be discussed.
Hajiji also confirmed to reporters on Sunday that he will be accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a working visit to Indonesia starting on Monday.
The official was responding to a viral report that claimed Hajiji would announce the dissolution of the State Assembly on July 28. The report further alleged that Hajiji would seek an audience with the Head of State on July 29 or 30 to submit the dissolution letter.
It also claimed that the State Assembly Speaker would declare receipt of the dissolution notice on August 1, with the Election Commission (EC) being formally notified on August 4.
According to the report, the EC is expected to meet and determine the election dates soon after, with the official announcement slated for August 11. It speculated the following timeline for PRN17: nomination on September 6, early voting on September 15, and polling day on September 20.
Political analysts expect the dissolution of the state assembly after the Gagasan Rakyat congress.
They speculate that Hajiji is likely to call for polls before National Day on August 31 or after Malaysia Day on September 16.
Hajiji had said that he would consult the presidents of all Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties before making any move to dissolve the DUN.
The 16th Sabah DUN will be automatically dissolved on Nov 11 this year if it is not dissolved earlier.
Under the law, the state election must be held within 60 days after the dissolution.
The post No DUN dissolution announcement July 28 – CM’s Office appeared first on Borneo Post Online.