Latest news with #SabahAssembly
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sabah CM hints at assembly dissolution ‘soon' after final sitting
KOTA KINABALU, July 8 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor today confirmed that the recently concluded State Assembly sitting will the final one for this term, although he declined to say when it will be dissolved. Speaking to reporters at the State Assembly building after the sitting adjourned, Hajiji declined to reveal the exact date for the dissolution, saying he would announce it once he receives the 'inspiration' to do so. 'I can't say now. When the right time comes, we will call the media and announce it,' he said when asked. 'Don't ask me which month, or whether it will be up to the end of the term when it automatically dissolves, just soon,' he said when further prodded by journalists. The State Assembly will dissolve automatically by November 11 at latest. In its final sitting, Hajiji's administration tabled a RM1.18 billion supplementary budget aimed at solving many developmental and infrastructure issues. The House also passed three Bills which will ostensibly help generate the state's income and improve efficiency of administration. Amendments to the state sales tax was to refine and improve processes, while the Sabah Climate and Carbon Governance Enactment will help earn the state income through natural resources. Meanwhile, Hajiji said that that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has held multiple pre-election meetings with Pakatan Harapan Sabah (PH Sabah) regarding seat negotiations, with positive progress. He hopes a formal cooperation agreement can be finalised before the dissolution. 'The current state government consists of GRS and PH Sabah, and that's the basis of our cooperation. As for others (political parties), we'll see,' he said. Earlier, he that during the five years of GRS's administration, the state government has performed well and brought significant development to Sabah and its people. Although issues such as water and electricity supply remain, many of these problems were inherited from the previous government, and the current administration is doing its best to resolve them. Hajiji also expressed hope that the people, Sabahans will continue to support GRS and return the mandate to them to continue.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Confusion over Sabah assembly term clarified as Speaker sets Nov 11 automatic dissolution date, unless called earlier
KOTA KINABALU, July 6 — The 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly will be automatically dissolved on Nov 11 this year if it is not dissolved earlier, said Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya. He said the five-year term of the assembly is calculated from the date of the first sitting of the 16th Sabah State Assembly, which was on November 12, 2020, making Nov 11 this year the end of the term. He noted that there is some public misunderstanding regarding the date the assembly will automatically dissolve, with some assuming the term began on the polling day of the 16th Sabah State Election on September 26, 2020, or on Sept 22 for early voting. 'There are outsiders who misunderstand the dissolution date. Some count from polling day, others think it starts from the date the elected representatives were sworn in (October 9, 2020). '(In fact) it (the five-year term of the Sabah assembly) is not counted from the polling day, the announcement of the election results, or the swearing-in of assemblymen. It is counted from the date of the first sitting of the new legislative term,' he told Bernama. Kadzim said if the assembly dissolves automatically on Nov 11, Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and the Election Commission (EC) would be formally notified of the matter. 'An election for the state must then be held within 60 days from the date of dissolution,' he added. Commenting on the upcoming Sabah State Assembly sitting scheduled for two days starting tomorrow, he said four bills will be tabled, covering supplementary supply, state sales tax, forestry, and climate change and carbon governance. 'We normally have at least three sittings a year, so (this time) there's more attention because if the State Assembly dissolves after this, it will be the final sitting of the term. If not, it will be the third sitting this year. Nothing out of the ordinary this time, just a regular sitting,' he said. Kadzim also said that broadcasting the Sabah assembly sitting live on social media, including YouTube, enables the public to follow debates, especially those concerning state policies, without needing to attend in person. 'I think it's better for people to watch it live because our focus is solely on the debates... there are many benefits to live broadcasts,' he said. He added that the live telecast also encourages assemblymen to maintain decorum and proper conduct during proceedings, and ensures quality debates as they are aware they are being observed by the public. 'If I were an assemblyman, I'd also be more disciplined, knowing that I'm being followed live by the public. The good thing is, the coverage will be wider since not everyone can come to the assembly,' he said. He stressed that the Sabah State Assembly building is gazetted as a security zone, and therefore, certain restrictions mu — please observe them,' he said. When asked about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Kadzim said they have not yet been able to fully utilise the technology due to some limitations, especially regarding language translation. 'If one day AI can be used for legislative sittings, we could use it to assist in our work, including producing the Hansard and so forth,' he said. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Graft charges against 2 reps won't affect Sabah govt, says Hajiji
Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor said those implicated in the mining scandal will have a chance to clear their names. PETALING JAYA : The corruption charges set to be filed against two Sabah assemblymen in the mining scandal will not affect the running of the state government, chief minister Hajiji Noor said today. Hajiji, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman, said his administration would leave the matter to the authorities and the courts, Berita Harian reported. 'I do not think it will affect (the state government). I was informed by (the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) that charges would be filed against two (assemblymen) … I don't know who they are. 'We must respect the legal process. Let the courts decide whether they are guilty or not. They have the chance to clear their names. 'The state government is committed to ensuring that we respect the law and also ensure the integrity of members of the state government as well as civil servants,' he was quoted as saying. Earlier, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said three people – two assemblymen and another individual – would be charged in connection with the case. The alleged mining scandal was reported in 2024 after a series of videos linking several Sabah assemblymen to it were leaked. The videos allegedly depicted discussions involving bribery and misconduct related to mineral exploration projects in the state. In February, Azam said the initial batch of videos lacked credibility as they had been heavily edited. However, many rights groups and others had pressed for a thorough investigation.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
MACC to recall individuals linked to Sabah assemblymen corruption video
PUTRAJAYA, May 22 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will resummon all individuals alleged to be linked to a corruption scandal involving several Sabah state assemblymen. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the directive follows the commission's receipt of a forensic report related to video recordings that went viral on social media last year. 'The forensic report has been completed and handed over to the investigating officer. It was submitted about a week ago. 'My instruction is for the investigating officer to resummon all those said to be involved, whether appearing in the video, in possession of the video, or otherwise, to have their statements recorded in order to verify the video's contents,' he said at a press conference here today. However, he declined to comment on the authenticity of the video, adding that the investigation should be concluded within a month. 'I do not wish to make any comments on whether the video is authentic or not. What's important is that we conduct the investigation and call those involved to give their statements regarding the content of the video. 'The deputy public prosecutor will assess the forensic findings to verify whether the video is genuine and so forth, before making a decision,' he said. Last month, the media reported that eight Sabah assemblymen had been recalled to verify the contents of several video recordings allegedly linked to the case. Previously, several video clips allegedly showing conversations related to corruption between certain individuals and several Sabah assemblymen concerning mineral licensing issues in the state went viral. The MACC has confirmed that an investigation paper has been opened on the matter, and that a comprehensive investigation is underway, including digital forensic analysis of the evidence. — Bernama
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar says no discussion on dissolving Sabah assembly during meeting with Governor
KOTA KINABALU, May 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he did not discuss the possible dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly during his meeting with Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman today. He said the decision to dissolve the state assembly rests solely with the Governor and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'The meeting focused primarily on Sabah's development and strengthening cooperation between the state and federal governments,' he told reporters at the Seri Kinabalu Palace today. Anwar said the discussions covered various sectors, including oil, and took into account input from state leaders with the aim of addressing key concerns and identifying areas for improvement. The meeting marked Anwar's first courtesy call on Musa since his appointment as the Sabah Governor. Speculation of a possible early dissolution of the state assembly had intensified ahead of today's meeting between the Prime Minister and the Governor. The rumours gained further traction after Hajiji issued a statement on Friday, saying Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is prepared to go solo in the next state election if Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) proceed with their announced cooperation for the polls. Hajiji reiterated GRS's view that Sabah-based parties should form the core of the state government, emphasising their deeper understanding of local realities, cultures and the needs of Sabahans, while still acknowledging the important role national parties play within the broader political landscape. Hajiji's statement came after PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Unity Government Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced in a joint statement that PH and BN had agreed to work together in facing the next Sabah state election. Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya had been reported as saying that the five-year term of the current state assembly will expire on November 11. — Bernama
