Sabah is ready for a concurrent election throughout the country should a general election be called before the state assembly term ends on April 12 next year, its chief minister Musa Aman said.

National news agency Bernama today quoted Musa noting Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's wish not to have any election before his retirement in October.

He said it was up to the federal leadership to decide on the date.

The two east Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak have different dates for state and parliamentary elections. Sabah held its last state polls in April 1999, seven months before the general election called in November that year.

Abide by BN decision

Musa, who is Sabah Umno chief, was responding to questions at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport upon returning from the party's annual general assembly which concluded in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

On whether state Barisan Nasional component leaders would consider sponsoring independents against the official coalition candidates, Musa said this should not happen.

"They should not do that, but must abide by the leadership's decision. Whoever was selected as the BN candidate for a particular constituency should have the full support of all members."

Meanwhile, Bernama also quoted Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Joseph Kurup warning ruling parties to avoid internal conflicts for a clean sweep in the upcoming state polls.

The leader of one of several Kadazandusun-based parties in Sabah said that although the BN had a better chance to win this time in the absence of a credible opposition, internal disputes may still weaken the coalition.

Strength affected

"If there is trouble within the BN, such as when certain leaders are not selected as candidates or not given constituencies of their choice, it will affect our strength."

Speaking to reporters at the launch of the Sabah Dragon Boat Festival at Lagoon Park, Karambunai, near Kota Kinabalu, he said unhappy leaders would resort to "something unhealthy" which will go against the spirit of unity in the party.

Kurup, who is state Youth and Sports Minister, said he hoped all component parties would compromise and accept the decisions made on seat allocations by the BN leadership.