Hajiji delivering the keynote address at the Gagasan Rakyat Special General Assembly at SICC today.
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) has approved a major restructuring of its organisational framework, reducing its divisions from 74 to 26 based on Parliamentary constituencies.
Gagasan Rakyat President Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the move, formalised through amendments to the party constitution, aims to strengthen overall cohesion, efficiency and grassroots mobilisation. The new structure includes Labuan.
He explained that the previous 74 divisions, organised according to State Legislative Assembly (DUN) constituencies, appeared strong on paper but varied significantly in capability and activity.
“Some divisions were highly active with strong membership and machinery, while others remained small and less effective. An overly large but uneven structure weakens the party as resources become too thinly spread,” he said in his keynote address at the Gagasan Rakyat Special General Assembly at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
Hajiji, who is also the Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman, described the special conference as a pivotal moment for the party, reflecting a strategic decision by its Supreme Council after assessing current political realities, organisational strength and its role as the ruling party in Sabah.
He stressed that the restructuring was necessary to ensure the party remains organised, united and capable of sustaining leadership and public trust.
“A party cannot rely on size alone. It must be structured, focused and united in direction if it is to remain strong and relevant,” he said.
Hajiji acknowledged that the transition to 26 Parliamentary-based divisions would bring changes in roles, operations and leadership arrangements, but emphasised that the party’s core values and appreciation for members’ contributions remain unchanged.
“What changes is the structure, not our principles or our trust in members. The true value of struggle lies not in titles, but in loyalty and service,” he added.
He also paid tribute to grassroots leaders whose dedication and sacrifices have built the party, noting that the restructuring is intended to better organise and harness that strength moving forward.
