Speaking to reporters outside the High Court, he said the political crisis in Sabah which Chief Minister Shafie Apdal had sought to resolve through fresh polls could not be prolonged.

“Return the power to the people to decide on a mandate,” he said, adding that he hoped fresh polls would also be held in other states.

Asked about his early message to voters, Zahid said: “Vote for BN.”

Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said earlier today that governor Juhar Mahiruddin had consented to the dissolution of the state assembly, paving the way for a snap election in the state.

This followed claims by Shafie’s predecessor, Musa Aman who said yesterday that he had the numbers needed to form a new state government.

Musa said he had received statutory declarations from a number of assemblymen from various parties confirming their support for a new alliance he was leading.

Zahid also said Umno and BN members would adhere to the SOPs set by the Election Commission and health ministry for the upcoming Sabah election.

“We went through the Chini by-election and the process went smoothly,” he said.