TAMBUNAN: The Parti Gegasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Tambunan has pledged to intensify efforts to secure a larger majority for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate in the forthcoming state election (PRN).
“The establishment of Gagasan Rakyat in Tambunan is aimed at reinforcing GRS’s position in this region,” said Dato’ Victor P. Paut, head of the Gegasan Rakyat Tambunan division.
He reiterated that the party’s presence in the area is not intended to undermine or replace the current leadership in Tambunan.
Victor noted that the formation of Gagasan Rakyat, or PGRS, has significantly transformed the political landscape, garnering an exceptional response from the community.
“This development has raised concerns among certain groups, leading to various perceptions that PGRS has created divisions and disrupted the harmony among the component parties in Tambunan.
“Thus, I want to clarify that, as the leader of the Gagasan Rakyat Tambunan division, I reject this notion. The primary objective of establishing this party in Tambunan is to bolster the GRS’s position, particularly in preparation for the upcoming election.
“Gagasan Rakyat is committed to ensuring that the GRS candidate achieves a larger vote share in the next PRN,” he emphasised.
He made these remarks while officiating the 2024 annual divisional meeting of Tambunan Gagasan Rakyat at the Tambunan Community Hall on Sunday.
The meeting was attended by 800 delegates, including representatives from the party’s three wings: the youth movement, the women’s movement, and the Beliawanist movement.
Also present were David Awot, Permanent Chairman of Gegasan Rakyat Tambunan; Rainus Adin, Deputy Permanent Chairman; Mohd Yassin Mohd Yunus, Deputy Divisional Head; Datuk Hajah Amelia Anjun, Women Head; Mohd Hajjaz Iqbal Yusof, Divisional Secretary; Rafi Arshad, Youth Head; and Vianney Eva.
Victor announced that Gagasan Rakyat Tambunan has now grown to 9,000 members following the recent launch of the “RED WAVE.” He noted that this membership count significantly surpasses that of other parties within the Tambunan GRS component.
“This surge in membership reflects the increasing support and enthusiasm from the people of Tambunan, as many visit the party office daily to obtain membership application forms and establish new branches. Today, Gagasan Rakyat Tambunan also welcomed numerous new members, including former PBRS Tambunan Women’s Head Puan Nanti Koris and her supporters, demonstrating their commitment to joining our party,” he stated.
He urged the leadership of Gagasan Rakyat Tambunan to focus on expanding membership and establishing new branches. Additionally, he encouraged the youth and Beliawanis movements to develop programs related to youth interests, such as sports, to engage younger generations in the party.
“This initiative aims to attract youth to Gagasan Rakyat, as they are the future leaders,” he emphasized.
After the event, Victor informed reporters that the increase in the number of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) friendly homes to 40 for each State Legislative Assembly in Sabah next year underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the state’s residents.
“This announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor is certainly welcomed by the community, particularly those in need. I, along with the leadership of Gagasan Rakyat Tambunan, support this initiative and hope that the responsible agency will ensure that this aid reaches those who truly require it,” he said.
