Elections might be held soon

23 September 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The next state election may be called earlier than anticipated, according to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

"The latest we can hold the state election is by October next year, so I am considering when to call for the next election. If I make a decision to hold it earlier, it will be before October," he stated.

"That is why we need to start preparing now," he added during the Parti Gagasan Rakyat's annual general meeting in Pitas.

In addition to discussing the election timeline, Hajiji addressed the ongoing water supply issues in the state, attributing them to the termination of nine concession companies by previous state administrations.

He explained that this decision not only led to legal disputes but also severely disrupted water management in Sabah.

"The actions of the previous administration resulted in significant financial losses for the state, with RM315 million paid in compensation to the concession companies," he noted.

Hajiji further remarked that the previous administration appointed new companies with no prior experience in managing water services, which he believes has exacerbated the state's water supply challenges.

"Now they are blaming us, but it was the companies they appointed that failed to perform their duties effectively," he reiterated.