GRS takes its election pitch to Kudat, with Hajiji eyeing 16 parliamentary seats

Hajiji said the convention will bring together central leadership and key divisional leaders for discussions and sharing sessions with two focuses. — Daily Express pic

First Published: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 5:57 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 17 — Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is scheduled to address more than 3,000 delegates and observers at the 2026 GRS Convention in Kudat tomorrow (Sunday), which aims to prepare the coalition to win at least 16 of the 26 parliamentary seats.

“Although GRS was returned to power in the State election in November last year, the convention also serves to remind that GRS should not rest on its laurels but continue to work hard towards the betterment of the State and people.

“Cooperation and unity among GRS components as well as our partners in the State Unity Government is vital to ensure a decisive victory for GRS in the coming general election,” said Hajiji, who is GRS Chairman and PGRS President.

The inaugural convention in Kudat will be held at Dewan Tun Mustapha, with participants and observers representing all 26 parliamentary constituencies in Sabah, including Labuan.Hajiji said the venue follows a decision by the GRS Supreme Council that the convention should be rotated among the various districts instead of being centred solely in Kota Kinabalu.

Besides Hajiji’s keynote address, the six GRS Deputy Chairmen will deliver speeches. They represent the core leadership of the six GRS component parties, namely PGRS, PBS, PCS, LDP, PHRS and Upko.

Hajiji said the convention will bring together central leadership and key divisional leaders for discussions and sharing sessions with two focuses.

The first is political strategy to strengthen party preparedness, particularly ahead of the 16th General Election.

The second is an assessment of progress on the development agenda for the people and the State under the GRS Manifesto, specifically by advancing the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.

He said GRS’ partners in the State Government are also expected to perform well and deliver more seats so that Sabah’s voice can be heard in Parliament.

Hajiji added that the political dynamics in Sabah favour GRS and the coalition will enter the general election with full confidence of gaining the trust of voters.

The choice of Kudat is seen by many as a sign of GRS’ confidence in capturing the Kota Marudu and Kudat parliamentary seats, which are held by Parti KDM and an Independent respectively. Both Members of Parliament lost in the State election in November last year to GRS candidates.­ — Daily Express

* Editor’s note: GRS stands for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah; PGRS stands for Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah; PBS stands for Parti Bersatu Sabah; PCS stands for Parti Cinta Sabah; LDP stands for Liberal Democratic Party; PHRS stands for Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah; Upko stands for United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation; and SMJ stands for Sabah Maju Jaya.