SABAH Umno is ramping up preparations for possible early elections to the state assembly, with its machinery on alert, says the party’s state elections director Jeffery Nor Mohamed.

Although the state assembly’s term expires only in October next year, Jeffrey said the party is treating the period from now until February as critical and is closely observing signals from the opposition that could affect the timing of the elections.

We must be proactive and cannot wait until the last minute. Regardless of the current situation, we have an urgent need to be election-ready, he was quoted as saying in an Umno Online report.

The Putatan Umno chief said he and his team are actively engaging with local communities and providing assistance to residents to maintain visibility and support.

Last month, Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor hinted that the next state assembly elections could be held before the legislature’s term ends late next year.

Hajiji said if he felt the elections should be called earlier, then it will be earlier, The Borneo Post reported.