Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api urges sacrifice, sets sights on historic win
Published on: Mon, Jun 09, 2025
By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Gagasan Rakyat Api-Api Chief Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain (left) presents a memento to Secretary-General Datuk Razali Razi after officiating the division's 2025 annual meeting. KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Api-Api Division Chief Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain has called on party members to view time and financial sacrifices as necessary investments for long-term political success. Speaking to some 200 delegates at the division's annual meeting here on Sunday, Faisyal said while current sentiment favors local parties, collaboration with the federal government remains crucial.
Advertisement He acknowledged the contributions of former national parties but emphasized that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) represents the present and future of Sabah politics. Faisyal pledged Gagasan Rakyat's support for any GRS or Pakatan Harapan candidate in upcoming elections and urged the youth wing to focus on mobilizing young voters, who make up half of Sabah's electorate. He noted that with Api-Api's voter composition—48pc Bumiputera and 40pc Chinese—there is a real opportunity for GRS to make inroads in a seat long held by Chinese representatives. 'A GRS victory here is possible within five to ten years,' he said, citing the coalition's broad appeal under its multiracial platform.
Advertisement To boost voter outreach, a series of programs are being planned. Youth chief Safwan Faisyal Diego announced a townhall session with business and community leaders, in collaboration with former mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, and a soup kitchen initiative with Jetsin Sdn Bhd's Datuk Jade Koh. Safwan said Api-Api's ethnic mix including Chinese, Dusun, Malay, and Tausug members reflects GRS's inclusivity. 'That's the beauty of GRS and Gagasan Rakyat. As long as you're a Sabahan, you'll always have a place with us,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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