Hajiji: Decision to dissolve Sabah Assembly lies with me
PUTATAN (June 18): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has reminded all parties that the decision to dissolve the current Sabah government rests solely with him.
'That matter, I will think about it. Others do not need to overthink. As the Chief Minister, I will decide. But what is certain is that we will have the general election — whether sooner or later, it must take place,' he said.
Hajiji who is also president of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), urged the public to be patient, assuring that the time will come when the mandate will be returned to the people to choose their next government.
'Just wait,' he said when asked about the potential dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly, following his visit to fire victims at Dewan Sri Putatan on Wednesday.
Hajiji also confirmed that preliminary discussions had taken place between GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding political cooperation, with a decision expected before any dissolution is announced.
When asked about the role of Barisan Nasional (BN), Hajiji simply replied, 'Ask BN what they want.'
Last month, Hajiji had expressed GRS's openness to cooperating with PH but noted the coalition might consider contesting alone if PH proceeds with its pact with BN.
Meanwhile, the Sabah government has extended immediate assistance to victims of fires that broke out in Kampung Petagas and Bukit Vor on June 16 and 17 respectively, affecting 74 individuals from 28 families.
Hajiji handed over aid to heads of households currently sheltered at the temporary evacuation centre at Dewan Sri Putatan.
To alleviate their burden, each household head received several forms of assistance, including RM1,000 in compassionate aid (BWI), RM1,000 from the Sabah Welfare Foundation (YKS), RM1,000 from the Sabah Zakat Centre under the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), food baskets and RM300 from the Sabah State Baitulmal Corporation.
'For household heads whose homes were completely destroyed, the State Government will construct Rumah Mesra SMJ on the existing sites. Those whose homes were partially damaged will receive financial assistance ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000,' said Hajiji.
He added that 10 houses would be rebuilt under the Rumah Mesra SMJ initiative.
'The State Government is deeply concerned and remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of the people, especially during times of hardship,' he said.
In the two separate incidents, 20 household heads with 46 victims were affected in Kampung Petagas, while Bukit Vor saw eight household heads with 28 victims impacted by the fire.
Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Datuk Mohd Arif; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Safar Untong; Petagas Assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Datuk Awang Sahari; Secretary of Home Affairs and Research Datuk Awang Shahminan Datuk Sahari; and Putatan District Officer Masawi Salleh.
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