KOTA KINABALU: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) could be dissolved as soon as next week.
Rumors regarding the potential dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) are growing stronger, with reports indicating that Sabah ministers and DUN members are already making preparations.
This is believed to be the final significant opportunity for the GRS Government to declare the dissolution of the State Assembly before it occurs automatically, as some have noted that the five-year term of the State Assembly is set to conclude on November 10, 2025.
Observers are of the opinion that Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor is assured he has secured that vital date, particularly after his government has faltered due to the exit of Star and SAPP from the GRS-PH state government.
Local political activist and analyst, Dr. Kanul Gindol, when approached for his insights by the Jesselton Times, remarked that there had been ongoing speculation that the State Assembly might be dissolved as soon as 2025, yet Hajiji “hasn’t formulated any plans thus far.”
Many were also taken aback and confused as to why Hajiji and GRS did not establish a dissolution date. “As the final weeks of the state assembly term approach, the ‘element of surprise’ is no longer present,” he noted.
Dr. Kanul suggests that the decision to not select an earlier date may stem from the GRS government’s inability to finalize an agreement with PH, which is led by Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim. He is seeking a minimum of 13 seats for his party, PKR.
In this context, the eight factions within GRS are at risk of fragmentation, as nearly all components of GRS, with the exception of PGRS, PCS, and LDP, have expressed strong opposition to granting seats in Sabah to “Malayan parties” such as PKR, DAP, Amanah, and their ally Upko.
For instance, Star is prepared to concede a maximum of seven seats to PKR, but insists that they must utilize the GRS symbol. If DAP is allocated 10 seats, Amanah claims 2-3, and Upko 10, what remains for the local parties?” he remarked.
He mentioned that people cannot be blamed for thinking Hajiji appears “weak” in managing even the straightforward task of setting the election date and delaying until the last few days.
Recently, there has been continuous rain and flooding, resulting in fatalities from landslides. This situation is worsened by the persistent issues of damaged roads, and the lack of water and electricity does not help as we approach the general election.
“I believe that delaying the presentation of the Sabah Budget 2026, which is typically revealed on the last Friday of November, is not a smart move, even if the budget could be ready sooner,” he stated.
He continued: “Who would trust what are merely sweet promises for the election?
GRS will face backlash on social media and will be mocked by the public for this disorder.
Dr. Kanul noted that the most suitable voting date at this moment is this November, where the involved parties and candidates need to offer more reassurance to their supporters, possibly by providing umbrellas, transportation, or bottled water.
“I believe the Sabah State Assembly will be dissolved this Monday or Tuesday, and the Election Commission will convene two weeks later to decide on the nomination dates, polling day, and other related issues,” he added.
He added that the people cannot be blamed if they think Hajiji looks “weak” in handling even the simple matter of setting the election date, and waiting until the last few days.
It has been raining and flooding constantly lately, with people even being killed by landslides. This is compounded by the ongoing problems of potholed roads, and the lack of water and electricity does not favour us as we head into the general election.
“I don’t think waiting to present the Sabah Budget 2026, which is usually presented on the last Friday of every November, is a wise idea, even though the budget could be prepared earlier,” he added.
He added: “Who would believe what are just sweet promises for the election?
GRS will be slammed left and right on social media and will be ridiculed by the public for this chaos.
According to Dr. Kanul, the best available voting date right now is this November, where the parties and candidates involved need to provide more comfort to their respective supporters, perhaps by giving them umbrellas, transportation, or mineral water.
“I think the Sabah State Assembly will be dissolved this Monday or Tuesday, and the Election Commission will meet two weeks later to determine the nomination dates, polling day, and other matters,” he said.
