KUCHING: More than 5,000 delegates thronged the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here as early as 7:00 am for the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 today.
It marked the coalition’s inaugural convention, held under the theme ‘PCDS 2030: Visi Jadi Realiti’, bringing together party leaders, members and grassroots representatives from across Sarawak under one roof.
The arrival of Premier and GPS Chairman, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at 9:00 am heightened the momentum of the event, followed by the opening segment featuring the singing of the national anthem ‘Negaraku’, the state anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’ and the GPS theme song, as well as a prayer recital.
An opening address was delivered by convention organising chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, setting the tone for the day, followed by speeches from component party leaders including Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai, and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
A montage presentation preceded the highlight of the morning session followed by the keynote address and official opening of the convention by Abang Johari at 11:15 am, which drew strong attention from delegates.
Beyond the formal proceedings, delegates were seen actively engaging in discussions, exchanging views and networking, while some explored exhibition booths set up at the venue.
In the afternoon, the convention shifted focus to policy-driven discussions.
The first session centred on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), featuring Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Legal Affairs, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, with Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie as moderator.
The second session highlighted the progress of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, with a presentation by former State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, moderated by Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
The one-day convention concluded with a closing ceremony, including a winding-up speech by the Premier, before delegates adjourn for a dinner event at 6:00 pm, marking the end of the programme.
