Najib: Talks of early election in Sabah merely speculation (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: Talks of a possible early state election in Sabah is merely speculation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Najib, who is also Umno president, said a decision has not yet been reached among party leaders on whether the Bornean state would see an early dissolution of its legislative assembly.
He said every aspect should be reviewed and studied before a state election in Sabah could be called.
"There has not been any decision made on whether there will be an early state election in Sabah or not.
"I would like to stress that it is still speculation for now," he told a press conference after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting at the party headquarters here.
A local English daily had reported yesterday that a snap state election in Sabah could be held as early as April.
The report, quoting a source, stated that Najib has given the green light for an early dissolution of the state legislative assembly, but requested for a detailed evaluation on seats to be made.
There has also been much speculation on when the 14th General Election would be held, as Najib in the press conference indicated that 2017 would be a "normal year".
"This year is a normal year ... We will have the Hari Raya, Ramadhan month, the Sea Games and others," he said.
On whether Umno would be showing its support for the 'RUU 355' solidarity gathering by PAS on Feb 18, Najib said the matter had been brought into discussion in the meeting.
He however told the public to give some time to Umno to scrutinise all aspects, adding that he would comment on the matter later.
He also reiterated that Umno and PAS had no problem cooperating on matters concerning the Muslims and Islam, recalling the Rohingya solidarity rally held last year as an example.