KUALA LUMPUR – Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan has responded to the decision of five of his party’s assemblymen to support Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), acknowledging their choice but reiterating his commitment to a path of justice for Sabah.
In a statement issued today, Kitingan said, “I respect the decision made by the five STAR leaders who have chosen to stay with GRS. Every individual must act in accordance with their conscience, and while I have seen this before, it does not come as a surprise.”
“Throughout my life, I have often walked alone. This is not new to me. What truly matters is not how many walk alongside me, but whether the path I am on is the right one, and if I remain steadfast on it. While some may take the easier road, I will continue on the path that leads to justice for Sabah.”
The defection comes after Datuk Flovia Ng (Tulid), Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin (Sook), Datuk Abidin Madingkir (Paginatan), and Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman (Liawan) attended a press event with GRS leaders, signalling their support for the coalition ahead of the state election.
Datuk Robert Tawik (Bingkor) was also expected to join, but was unable to attend due to health reasons.
This leaves Kitingan as the only Sabah STAR assemblyman not aligned with GRS, with the party president set to defend his Tambunan seat.
In a statement, GRS Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed the move, saying, “They have made it clear to me that they are backing GRS.”
The assemblymen’s decision follows the recent fallout between Sabah STAR, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), and GRS over the latter’s choice to collaborate with Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming state polls.
Both Sabah STAR and SAPP had announced their exit from the coalition last week. – October 6, 2025