Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is stepping up preparations for the coming parliamentary general election by appointing six zone chairmen to coordinate operations and monitor the readiness of the coalition’s machinery throughout Sabah.
Chief Minister and GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the appointments are aimed at conducting inspections and obtaining reports on the preparedness of GRS divisions within their designated areas.
Hajiji said GRS would select candidates with the best chance of winning the seats they contest.
“We will look for those who can win. That is GRS’ position,” he said.
He also explained that all GRS component parties are currently using the GRS logo, while any decision involving other partners in the government for the GE has yet to be determined.
“At this meeting, we discussed preparations for the coming general election. To face this general election, we are strengthening our party machinery in all parliamentary constituencies in Sabah.
“As part of these preparations, we have also appointed six zone chairmen in Sabah. The purpose is to carry out inspections and obtain reports on the readiness of divisions according to their respective zones,” he told a press conference after chairing the GRS Supreme Council meeting at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Thursday.
Hajiji, who is also President of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), said Zone 1 comprising Kudat, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud and Tuaran would be chaired by himself.
Zone 2 covering Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Putatan would be chaired by GRS Deputy Chairman and Gagasan Rakyat Deputy President Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, while Zone 3 comprising Papar, Kimanis, Beaufort and Sipitang, would be chaired by GRS Deputy Chairman and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) Tan Sri Anifah Aman.
Zone 4, which includes Ranau, Keningau, Pensiangan and Tenom would be chaired by GRS Deputy Chairman and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Zone 5 covering Sandakan, Batu Sapi, Libaran, Beluran and Kinabatangan would be chaired by GRS Deputy Chairman and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) President Datuk Chin Su Phin, while Zone 6, comprising Tawau, Kalabakan, Lahad Datu and Semporna would be chaired by Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, who is GRS Deputy Chairman and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) President.
Hajiji, who is also the Gagasan Rakyat President, said all appointed component party presidents would lead their respective zones as part of early preparations for the parliamentary election.
According to him, although the current parliamentary term would only expire at the end of next year, GRS must begin preparations early.
“What is important is cooperation and unity among GRS component parties as well as partner parties in the Unity Government in Sabah. This is crucial because we want to secure a big victory in the next parliamentary election,” he said.
