He said political issues, including talk of dissolving the state assembly or the possibility of a state election, should not take precedence over the welfare of the people.

Heavy rain has caused floods in parts of Sabah, with 13 people confirmed dead in landslides across the state since last Friday.

“I do not want to think about dissolution … not now,” said Hajiji in a Bernama report.

“The most important thing now is to provide assistance to those who have been affected. This is the moment to show that political differences should never stand in the way of helping others.

“In the face of this calamity, all parties, including government agencies, must be mobilised to extend help. Let us not be distracted by politics for now – the priority is to support our people.”

The state assembly’s term expires on Nov 11, unless dissolved earlier, after which an election must be held within 60 days.

Hajiji was speaking to reporters after visiting Kampung Mook, Papar, to meet the family of Emily Johnny, 38, and her son Xarell Myre Aristothle, 11, who were killed in a landslide on Monday.

He said both the state and federal governments had begun distributing assistance, including RM1,000 in cash aid for flood victims relocated to temporary shelters and RM10,000 for the next of kin of those who lost their lives.

“Yayasan Sabah is also stepping in to help. For the three houses destroyed in the landslide, RM30,000 will be provided for each family. Hopefully, this can ease their burden,” he said.

Hajiji said the state and federal authorities were working hand in hand to restore lives and livelihoods in the wake of the recent disasters.

The Sabah government cancelled its state-level Malaysia Day celebration in view of the situation, saying its immediate priority was to manage the crisis, coordinate recovery efforts and ensure that rescue operations are carried out quickly.

The state’s disaster management committee said the number of flood victims had risen to 2,897 people from 813 families across 107 villages as of 8am today, compared with 2,813 victims from 752 families yesterday.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday that RM10 million would be distributed to flood victims in Sabah through the National Disaster Management Agency.

Anwar said these funds were on top of some RM11 million channelled through the Sabah government.