Gagasan Rakyat Approves Motion To Amend Constitution For Streamlining Divisions Along Parliamentary Seats

KOTA KINABALU, May 17 (Bernama) -- 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.

"This matter will be brought to ROS (Registrar of Societies) for approval before the restructuring can be officially enforced," he told reporters after the assembly today.

Hajiji, who is also Chief Minister, said 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 said the party is ready 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.

"It just so happens we will be facing a parliamentary general election, which makes this amendment very timely," he said.

Asked about potential cooperation for the election, Hajiji, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, said the coalition would explore all possibilities of working with other parties if it benefits the people and the state.

"In politics, we must look at the broadest picture. If it benefits the state and strengthens unity among the people, why not? That is positive, because our goal, our struggle, is to unite and develop our state," he said.

Earlier in his address at the assembly, Hajiji said the restructuring in no way erases the contributions, roles, or sacrifices of grassroots members. Instead, it aims to better organise all party machinery for the general election.

He reminded fellow leaders of the political challenges faced since taking over the government in 2020, which required personal interests to be set aside for the sake of collective strength.

Hajiji also took a swipe at certain local political leaders who had once loudly championed local political dignity, only to easily change direction, go solo, or abandon the struggle as the election season approached, in pursuit of power and positions.

"The true measure of politics is judged by the people, based on government stability, job opportunities and the ability to solve problems through policies like SMJ (Sabah Maju Jaya)," he said.

-- BERNAMA