Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan has announced the formation of a new political alliance, Gerakan Sabah Baharu, ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election, following his exit from the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.
Kitingan revealed that the new alliance will unite local Sabahan parties and field candidates dedicated to the “Sabah for Sabahans” vision, emphasizing a government led by and for the people of Sabah. “Many leaders have expressed their intent to join this alliance,” he said, signaling growing support for the initiative.
In a statement released last night, the former GRS deputy chairman clarified that while STAR remains committed to its Sabah-centric agenda, it is open to post-election collaboration with West Malaysian parties to ensure political stability. “Despite our ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ narrative, STAR is willing to work with federal or Malayan parties after the 17th state election,” Kitingan said. “However, any partnership will be based on mutual respect and a genuine commitment to Malaysia, without compromising Sabah’s rights and autonomy.”
Kitingan also outlined plans for Gerakan Sabah Baharu to contest the 16th general election (GE16), aiming to amplify Sabah’s voice in Parliament and advocate for the state’s interests at the national level.
The decision to form the new alliance comes after Kitingan led STAR’s departure from GRS last week, citing disagreements over the coalition’s electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan. He argued that the alliance contradicted the grassroots’ desire for locally led representation.
However, five of STAR’s six assemblymen have chosen to remain with GRS for the upcoming polls. Party deputy presidents Ellron Alfred Angin and Robert Tawik, along with vice-presidents Abidin Madingkir, Annuar Ayub, and Flovia Ng, are reportedly seeking to join GRS directly to contest the election under its banner.
The split within STAR and the formation of Gerakan Sabah Baharu signal a shifting political landscape in Sabah, as parties vie to balance local aspirations with the need for stability in the state’s governance.
