As Sabah prepares for its 17th state election, a rift within Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has emerged, with four key assemblymen pledging support for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) despite their party’s recent exit from the coalition. GRS chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed their backing during a press conference announcing the state assembly’s dissolution.
Defying Party Leadership
The four STAR assemblymen—deputy president Ellron Alfred Angin and vice-presidents Abidin Madingkir, Annuar Ayub, and Flovia Ng—attended Hajiji’s announcement, openly defying party president Jeffrey Kitingan’s decision to withdraw STAR from GRS last week. Hajiji told reporters, “They have already told me that they support GRS,” signalling a significant split within STAR’s ranks.
Ellron, the state youth and sports minister and a four-term assemblyman for Sook, leads the group. Abidin Madingkir represents Paginatan, Annuar Ayub Liawan, and Flovia Ng Tulid, with Abidin and Ng serving as assistant ministers in the state government.
GRS Enforces Coalition Unity
Hajiji revealed that STAR and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) had their GRS memberships terminated after insisting on contesting the election under their own party banners. He stressed that the GRS presidential council had mandated all coalition components to run under the unified GRS banner, a rule not applicable to Pakatan Harapan (PH), with whom GRS has an electoral pact.
Despite the potential for GRS to face off against STAR and SAPP candidates, Hajiji expressed confidence in the coalition’s strength, stating it was well-prepared for the challenge.
No Reconciliation in Sight
When asked about the possibility of future cooperation with STAR and SAPP post-election, Hajiji was firm: “That does not arise.” His response underscores the deepening divide as Sabah heads into a fiercely contested election across 73 constituencies.
