Sarawak may call a snap state election in September this year, two years ahead of the end of the state government's term, according to latest unconfirmed reports.

No reasons has been given as to why Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud wants to hold early polls.

But recent major cabinet changes with the appointment of seven additional assistant ministers, in addition to one full minister, swapping of ministerial portfolios and creation of new ministries have further fueled speculation that Taib may want a whole new team before he eventually steps down after 23 years as the state's chief executive.

There is, however, no compelling reasons since he is firmly in control with the four-member state coalition holding all but one of the 62 state assembly seats.

Malaysiakini learnt that a senior state BN leader had indicated to several close associates that Taib may call a snap election at the same time as the Umno general assembly in September.

No reason was given, however, for the timing, but that in September Umno bigwigs will be busy with the party elections and they will have no time to 'interfere' in the elections. He did not elaborate.

Plans can wait

Asked to comment on this speculation, an opposition party leader scoffed at the news "saying that there was no reason for Taib to call for state elections so early".

"Taib is not known as a man to hand over power that easily. I am sure he will want to serve till the end of his term in 2006. Whatever plans he has in mind, he will wait to fulfill them after that," he said.

If at all state elections are to take place in September, this will also be one month ahead of the planned party polls of troubled Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) during which new leaders will be elected.

Malaysiakini also learnt that PBB senior vice-president Adenan Satem (right), the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and front-runner for the chief minister's post, had invited Sarawak MPs, including those from both factions in PBDS, to a dinner at his residence in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

Sources said that the forthcoming PBDS polls were discussed and PBDS leader Joseph Salang, who is Deputy Foreign Minister aligned to the Tajem faction, had told Adenan the party should be allowed to go on with the polls "to decide once and for all who should lead the party."

Respect decision

He said although the compromise line-up suggested by the (Dr James) Masing group might be a good idea, there was no guarantee it would resolve the problems in the party.

The sources also said Salang had told Adenan said once the party elections were over, decision of the members must be respected.

This should be reflected in appointments to government posts, he added.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Azmi Khalid said in Kuching yesterday that it was best for the rival factions in PBDS "to resolve the crisis within what is permitted under the law."

He refused to be drawn into making further comments on several related issues, saying he did not want "to add more confusion to confusion."

He said the party should go ahead with its triennial delegates conference (TDC) as directed by the BN technical committee on October 9-10.