KENINGAU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) President, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan said its struggle is not just to win the election, but to ensure that Sabah stands firm as an equal partner in the Federation.
“For more than 40 years I have been fighting for Sabah’s rights — I have been imprisoned, slandered, oppressed and silenced.
“We are not anti-federation, but we demand what was promised to Sabah in the Malaysia Agreement (MA63). That is our right, not a gift,” he stressed.
He explained that the struggle covers several main demands that are now bearing fruit. Among the main struggles is the restoration of Sabah’s rights in MA63, including Sabah’s position as an equal partner, not a subordinate state.
“Increasing Sabah’s petroleum revenues through a review of the payment formula and efforts to gain greater control over the state’s natural resources, and restoration of Sabah’s autonomy, including education, health and administration, so that Sabah can determine its own policies in accordance with the needs of the people.
“If we are not the ones fighting for Sabah’s rights, who else? Malaya party will not fight for us. That is why Star must remain strong — we are a local party that does not bow to external orders.”
Liawan Star candidate, Augustine Nain in his speech said that Dr. Jeffrey’s struggle is a trust that must be continued.
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