KDM deputy president Juil Nuatim said Hajiji, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, will be the guest of honour for the event which will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), and is scheduled to start at noon.

Juil, who is the organising chairman, said they had invited some 1,200 people, including top leaders from various Sabah political parties.

“We have invited all the party presidents to attend the launching, especially those from GRS,” he said after a meeting here today.

Hajiji’s attendance is likely a sign of GRS’ acceptance of KDM into its fold.

The chief minister, who is Sabah Bersatu chief, had previously said the coalition was open to KDM joining the coalition.

“Our aim is to achieve political stability in Sabah so that we can focus on developing the state,” Hajiji had reportedly said, adding that consensus must first be obtained from the other parties in the coalition.

There had been mixed reaction from GRS leaders previously on KDM joining the alliance.

Deputy chief minister and STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan said he had no problem with it, adding that it would further strengthen GRS’ position, while PBS secretary-general Joniston Bangkuai told the coalition not to rush into accepting new parties.

Anthony, who is the assemblyman for Melalap, and Limbahau assemblyman Juil, quit Warisan on Dec 27, claiming that their former party had “strayed from its true path”.

GRS comprises Sabah Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu, STAR, SAPP, PAS and Gerakan), Barisan Nasional (Umno, PBRS, MIC and MCA) and PBS.