KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah has switched from 73 state constituency-based divisions to 25 parliamentary divisions, naming protem chiefs to lead the revamped structure.
Party president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the restructuring was aimed at strengthening the party's organisation and leadership at the divisional level.
The 25 divisions now correspond with Sabah's 25 parliamentary constituencies, replacing the previous structure based on the state's 73 state constituencies.
The move follows a constitutional amendment approved by the party at a special general assembly in May to restructure its divisions along parliamentary constituency lines.
Among the more notable appointments announced on Saturday (Aug 29) was former Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin as protem chief of the Batu Sapi division.
The appointment confirms Hiew's return to Gagasan Rakyat's leadership fold after a brief stint with PKR during last year's Sabah election.
Hiew had been Gagasan Rakyat's Karamunting division chief before PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim named him as the party's candidate for Karamunting in the Nov 29, 2025 state election.
At the time, Hajiji said Hiew was a PKR member and could no longer be part of Gagasan Rakyat following his decision to contest under the PKR banner.
Hiew subsequently failed to retain Karamunting, which he had held for two terms, after losing to Warisan's Alex Wong Tshun Khee.
On the broader party restructuring, Hajiji said an organisation's strength did not rest only on the individual leading it, but on the ability of the entire team to work together and translate the party's agenda into service for the people.
"We want every division to be a living and active organisation that truly understands the pulse of the people.
"A division chief does not merely hold a position, but carries the responsibility of building the organisation, uniting members and bringing the voice of the community to a higher level," he said.
Hajiji, who is also Chief Minister, said the appointments were not merely about filling positions but were part of efforts to build a cross-generational leadership team capable of meeting current political challenges and public expectations.
"We want to build a team that combines experience with new energy. Senior leaders have invaluable experience and wisdom, while young leaders and new faces bring fresh perspectives and ideas.
"This combination is important so that our organisation is not only strong in experience, but is always prepared to renew itself and move with the times," he said.
The party said the 25 protem chiefs were selected based on their experience, leadership ability, record of community service, grassroots acceptance and ability to mobilise the organisation effectively.
Apart from Hiew in Batu Sapi, the protem division chiefs are Datuk Seri Ruddy Awah for Kudat, Saripin Magana for Kota Marudu, Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari for Kota Belud and Hajiji for Tuaran.
Datuk Mohamed Razali Mohamed Razi will head Sepanggar, Datuk Faisyal YH Diego will lead Kota Kinabalu, Shah Alfie Yahya Ahmad Shah will head Putatan, Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun will lead Penampang, and Datuk Seri Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar will head Papar.
The others are Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif (Kimanis), Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (Beaufort), Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sipitang), Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (Ranau), Datuk Azaman Ruslan (Keningau) and Datuk Rubin Balang (Tenom).
Datuk Abdul Ghani Yassin was appointed Pensiangan chief, Datuk James Ratib for Beluran, Datuk Hazem Mubarak Tun Musa for Libaran, Datuk Awang Kadin Tang for Sandakan and Datuk Masiung Banah for Kinabatangan.
Rajesh Yusof will head Lahad Datu, Datuk Dr Mohd Jasmin Julpin will lead Semporna, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan will head Tawau, while Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sain was appointed for Kalabakan.
Hajiji said the protem chiefs would be tasked with streamlining their respective organisations, strengthening grassroots networks, expanding membership and ensuring that the party remained close to the people.
Gagasan Rakyat also announced the Youth, Women's and Beliawanis chiefs for all 25 divisions.
