Gagasan Rakyat's direction in polls to be known this weekend

The Star

2 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: The direction for Sabah's top ruling party in the state polls this year – whether it will go solo or work with Sabah Pakatan Harapan – is expected to be set this weekend by its president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) chief is also expected to indicate the likely dates for the dissolution of the state assembly, which could be in August or closer to the full term in October.
In his past statements, Hajiji has advocated for Gagasan Rakyat and the Sabah coalition it leads (GRS) to work with Sabah Pakatan.
But his GRS partners want the coalition to go it alone in the polls.
"Just wait for my speech this Sunday," Hajiji told reporters here, referring to Gagasan Rakyat's AGM tomorrow, which is expected to be attended by over 2,000 delegates from 74 divisions from Sabah and Labuan.
The AGM will be closely watched by Gagasan Rakyat's partners, Sabah STAR led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) led by Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee and Usno.
Sabah STAR, SAPP and Usno are pushing for the coalition to go solo amid growing calls for Sabah to regain its autonomous political rights through local parties.
Hajiji has hinted that he prefers an electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan but that GRS be given a dominant role.
Another GRS partner, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS,) is also agreeable to Hajiji's idea to retain dominance.
The Gagasan Rakyat's gathering begins today with the Youth, Wanita and beliawanis annual meetings, where they are expected to state their stand on whether the party works with others.
The wings are also expected to push for more younger leaders to be fielded as candidates.
Yesterday, Hajiji launched the party's closed-door Gasak17 Information seminar at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
He asked the information chiefs from all divisions to activate their machinery to explain party objectives, the state government's achievements and to also address current political issues.