PUTATAN, June 18 -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has confirmed that the state election will be held soon, though the exact timing of the state assembly's dissolution remains at his sole discretion.

When asked about speculation that the Sabah State Legislative Assembly may be dissolved as early as next month, Hajiji declined to confirm the rumours.

"That's for me to think about. Others don't need to think too much," he told reporters on Monday.

"As a chief minister, I will decide soon. But what is clear is that we will hold an election soon. Whether it is early or late, it must be held. So wait, we will leave it to the people to decide who they want as the government," he said after meeting victims of the fire at Kampung ...