A senior Warisan leader has challenged Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan’s recent threat to withdraw from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition over its electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan (PH), questioning the timing and sincerity of his stance.
Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun pointed out that Kitingan, a deputy chief minister, has served in the Sabah government alongside federal coalitions since October 2020, first with Barisan Nasional (BN) and later with PH. “For two years from October 2020, Kitingan sat comfortably as deputy chief minister next to Umno’s Bung Moktar Radin, who was later replaced by another Umno leader, Shahelmey Yahya,” Siambun said in a statement. He noted that since January 2023, PH leaders such as Phoong Jin Zhe and Christina Liew have also been part of the state Cabinet.
“Where was the ‘Justice for Sabah’ that Kitingan now suddenly demands?” Siambun asked, highlighting the absence of such rhetoric during Kitingan’s tenure. “Why has it only become his slogan now with the state election around the corner?”
Siambun argued that if Kitingan were truly committed to shielding Sabah from federal influence, he would have left GRS long ago. Earlier today, Kitingan announced plans to discuss STAR’s potential exit from GRS at a meeting with the eight-party GRS presidential council, citing grassroots opposition to the GRS-PH pact as his rationale. This marks a shift from two months ago when he dismissed speculation—sparked by a viral TikTok clip—that STAR might leave GRS if forced to align with BN and PH.
Siambun suggested Kitingan’s ultimatum is a strategic move driven by fear of losing Kadazandusun Murut support to Warisan. “He is now trying to cover up his weakness by pretending it is about defending Sabah’s rights,” he claimed, accusing Kitingan of using the PH pact as a scapegoat.
The former Moyog assemblyman further criticized Kitingan for remaining in GRS and the unity government despite voicing grievances on various issues. “His words never matched his actions,” Siambun said, pointing to Kitingan’s failure to act on earlier opportunities to exit the coalition.
Siambun also described Kitingan’s threat as a sign of internal fractures within GRS, noting that Warisan has consistently maintained its intention to contest the state election independently.
