Although the Sabah state election which was reported to be held early is merely a speculation, Sabah UMNO is already prepared to mobilise the whole of its machinery to face any eventuality.

Sabah UMNO Liaison Body deputy chairman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said, however, the priority for Sabah UMNO now was to look after the welfare of the people in ensuring that the present government could be defended until the 14th General Election (GE14) was held.

"For the moment, there has been no decision on an early election. Although this is merely a speculation, we are confident that the people will continue to give their support to the ruling government," said Salleh, who is also UMNO treasurer, after attending the UMNO Supreme Council meeting, here on Friday.

A local press recently reported that Sabah would hold a snap election in 2018.

When asked to comment on the challenge posed by Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) led by a former UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Salleh said the party was merely a new one that had no grassroots support.

-- Bernama