Anticipation builds for potential final Sabah state assembly sitting
State Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya stated that it is not yet confirmed whether this will be the final state assembly sitting before dissolution.
The forthcoming session is listed as the Second Meeting, Fifth Session of the 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly, 2025.
"If the assembly dissolves thereafter, then this would be the last sitting, and if not, there might even be a third sitting as per the constitution," he said, noting the anticipation surrounding this session as many believe it could be the last before the state assembly is dissolved.
In terms of preparations, there are no special arrangements compared to previous sittings, and the questions expected to be posed are nothing out of the ordinary, said Kadzim.
He revealed that several bills are expected to be tabled, including the amendment to the state sales tax 2025, the Forestry Bill (establishment of forest reserve) (amendment) 2025, and new bills involving climate change and Sabah carbon management.
He clarified that this is not a tabling of special budgets but rather a supplementary budget for additional expenses and uses that were not included in the past budget and need approval.
Addressing queries about why the state legislative assembly building compound is not easily accessible to the public, Kadzim explained that the area was gazetted as a prohibited zone on Sept 2, 2024.
This gazettement imposes certain rules and conditions for anyone wishing to enter the building for official and non-official matters.
"The same rule applies to the Parliament. We can't simply go into the Parliamentary building, and in fact, the regulations there are stricter," he said.
Kadzim emphasized that the state legislative assembly building is not a place for casual visits, and entry is regulated to prevent disruptions during sittings or meetings.
He explained that the assembly hall is a place for debates and speeches, and if many enter without a proper purpose, it could disrupt proceedings.
Even clapping is not allowed inside, similar to the courtroom, Kadzim pointed out.
"But no one queries about the rules to get into a courtroom," he added in jest.
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