Kota Kinabalu: Attempts to portray Star Sabah President, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan, as erratic or politically inconsistent are not only misleading but intellectually dishonest.
Its Information Chief, Anuar Ghani Gilong, said Star’s “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan is the ideological foundation upon which the party was built and operates.
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“What has changed is the post-election political configuration - a reality that demands responsibility, strategic judgment and maturity, not ideological rigidity detached from the welfare of the people.
“Dr Jeffrey’s commitment to Sabah’s rights, autonomy and self-governance under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has been unwavering for decades.
“These principles do not evaporate simply because political circumstances require engagement, negotiation and, at times, strategic cooperation to prevent administrative paralysis and political instability,” he said.
Anuar said the party’s decision to exit from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) prior to the 17th State Election (PRN17) was a clear, principled assertion that Sabah’s State
elections must be driven by local parties.
“Star Sabah remains a firm and independent check-and-balance, prepared to speak out and act whenever Sabah’s interests are threatened - whether by national parties or political allies.
“This position is unanimously supported and endorsed by the Supreme Council of the party at it’s last meeting for the year on Dec 22,” he said.
Anuar said political maturity is not defined by theatrics, insults or constant provocation but it is defined by the capacity to safeguard the people from instability and power vacuums.
He said choosing opposition for symbolism alone, while governance falters and the people suffer, is not bravery, but an abdication of responsibility.
“As for age-based insinuations and claims of a ‘final election’, history offers a clear verdict: leadership is measured by wisdom, consistency and courage - not chronology.
“Dr Jeffrey stands among the most experienced and steadfast advocates of Sabah’s rights, long before MA63 became a fashionable political catchphrase.
“The struggle for Sabah is not a seasonal performance. It is a long-term mission that demands strategic thinking, resilience and the courage to make difficult, sometimes unpopular decisions,” he said.
Anuar said Star Sabah chooses to fight where it matters, within the system, where decisions are made and outcomes delivered, not from the sidelines of political noise.
“Sabah does not need mockery, cynicism or political gamesmanship. Sabah demands leadership that is principled, mature and accountable,” he said.
