Party information chief Joniston Bangkuai said the government of GRS chairman Hajiji Noor was committed to preserving political stability and that attempts to undermine the state government will fail.

With the Sabah government’s record RM6.45 billion budget already approved by the state assembly, Joniston said the government’s focus was to ensure its initiatives and plans were implemented successfully, The Borneo Post reported.

Previously, GRS Supreme Council member Ruddy Awah said he expected the state assembly to be dissolved around August next year to pave the way for elections.

Joniston said: “The state government is committed to bringing development and progress to the state and the people. We will not bow to any party hell-bent on undermining the Sabah government,” he was quoted as saying.

Joniston, who is also a state assistant minister, again dismissed the alleged mining scandal which has implicated several GRS assemblymen and state ministers.

“The state government is not only working very hard but is very open and transparent in its administration,” he said.

Hajiji has faced calls to step down as Sabah chief minister over the mining scandal, particularly from Umno, but this has been rebuffed by several GRS leaders who said the allegations did not implicate Hajiji.

Hajiji has said he would cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in its investigations.

He also said his government had never issued mining licences despite videos implicating assemblymen from the state, allegedly discussing bribes.

The chief minister said the videos were “edited and maliciously distributed” in a desperate measure aimed at tarnishing the government’s reputation.