KOTA KINABALU: Public and political observers are advised not to speculate on the date of the next state election.

Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that it is his prerogative to decide when to dissolve the State Assembly, reminding everyone that such matters rest solely with the Chief Minister.

"People should not overthink it. As Chief Minister, I will decide when the time comes," he told reporters after presenting aid to Kampung Petagas and Bukit Vor fire victims at the Sri Putatan Hall in Putatan on Wednesday (June 18).

The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman acknowledged that the current term is nearing its end, adding that the state election is inevitable.

"Whether it is held sooner or later, it must take place. We will return the mandate to the people and let them decide who they want to govern," he said.

Hajiji confirmed that preliminary discussions with political partners have already taken place and that a decision will be made before the Assembly is dissolved.

"There have been early talks, and we will conclude them soon before any dissolution," he said when asked if GRS had met with Sabah Pakatan Harapan regarding a potential political pact.

Hajiji has repeatedly indicated GRS’s interest in continuing its cooperation with Sabah Pakatan.

However, he made it clear that if Sabah Pakatan chooses to align with Sabah Barisan Nasional, GRS is prepared to go solo and face them in the state election.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously said that Sabah Pakatan, Barisan, and GRS are negotiating an electoral pact ahead of the upcoming state polls.

Pakatan and Barisan have already declared a formal alliance for the 17th Sabah state election, which must be held by year’s end.

Talks are ongoing to include GRS in the pact.

Hajiji, however, remains firm that while GRS is open to working with Sabah Pakatan, it does not wish to include Sabah Barisan in the arrangement.

When asked if GRS had met with Sabah Barisan, Hajiji shot back: "What Barisan? Ask them what they want."