Kota kinabalu: The special general assembly of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) today passed a motion to amend the party's constitution, to restructure its divisions from 74 to 26. Party president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the change means the party will now base its 26 divisions on 25 parliamentary constituencies in Sabah and one in Labuan, compared to the previous 73 Sabah state seats and one Labuan parliamentary seat.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hajiji stated that the matter will be brought to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) for approval before the restructuring can be officially enforced. Hajiji, who is also Chief Minister, indicated that the restructuring is crucial to strengthening Gagasan Rakyat at all levels, while also merging smaller divisions into larger, stronger ones to ensure the state government's stability.
Meanwhile, he expressed the party's readiness to face the next general election by focusing on strategies and streamlining its machinery along parliamentary lines. The matter was discussed during the party's Supreme Council meeting. He noted that facing a parliamentary general election makes this amendment timely.
When questioned about potential cooperation for the election, Hajiji, who also serves as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, mentioned that the coalition would explore all possibilities of working with other parties if it benefits the people and the state. He emphasized the need to consider the broadest picture in politics, aiming to unite and develop the state.
Earlier in his address at the assembly, Hajiji reassured that the restructuring does not erase the contributions, roles, or sacrifices of grassroots members but aims to organize party machinery better for the general election. He reminded leaders of the political challenges faced since taking over the government in 2020, highlighting the need for collective strength over personal interests.
Hajiji criticized certain local political leaders who had previously championed local political dignity but changed direction as the election season approached. He concluded by stating that the true measure of politics is judged by the people, based on government stability, job opportunities, and problem-solving through policies like Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).