Dr Jeffrey addressing his supporters at KKIA. To his left is SAPP president, Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee.
KOTA KINABALU (Oct 7): Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR Sabah) remains open to working with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), said STAR Sabah president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
“We only want to face the election with the people’s sentiment, which is Sabah for Sabahan (S4S), Justice for Sabah, Rumah Kita Kita Jaga (we take care of our own house). So that is our narrative. And this time, we want all the people of Sabah to understand this — to understand that for 62 years we have been left behind, even though we are rich,” said Dr Jeffrey.
He also said it would be unavoidable to clash in seats with GRS.
“It is an election. We must face the people. The ones with the power now are the people. So let the people who have choices, let them make the decision,” he said.
“Hence, it is normal for us to return to the people during elections, and of course, there will be clashes,” he added.
Asked about the number of seats STAR Sabah was eyeing after leaving GRS, Dr Jeffrey stated that together with the other local parties, they were targeting 73 seats.
Dr Jeffrey was also asked about actions that would be taken against the five STAR Sabah incumbent assemblymen — Paginatan’s Datuk Abidin Mandingkir, Tulid’s Datuk Flovia Ng, Liawan’s Datuk Annuar Ayub, Sook’s Datuk Ellron Angin and Bingkor’s Datuk Robert Tawik — who decided to stay with GRS.
He said that it was their own choice.
“I am not prohibiting them, although they are also aware of the stand that they had to make. If they refuse to listen to the cries of the people, if they don’t respect the sentiment of the people, then let the people decide.”
He was also asked if the five members would be dropped from STAR Sabah, to which he replied that this would be decided after a meeting with the party’s supreme council.
“Perhaps this is an opportunity for us to give space to the young, the faithful fighters and for renewal in leadership,” said Dr Jeffrey.
“Is the grassroots really supportive of your decision?” the reporter queried.
Dr Jeffrey replied, “That is why we left GRS. Because we listened to the cries of the people — the voices of the rakyat, all levels of the community. Be it online, at coffee shops, at meetings, all levels of society and at all activities, we have heard this.”
“And that is why we have decided this. And we cannot fight the people’s sentiment because they will decide. And that is why, if we ask who is right and who is wrong, we will know after the election,” he said.
Dr Jeffrey was also asked about STAR Sabah’s ties with SAPP, and he replied that they were a team.
He also said that there were no problems with seat distribution with SAPP and that it had been decided.
“As I mentioned, we should unite with other local parties because if we look at the benefits, just look at Sarawak.
“When Sarawak united, they were strong and they got what they wanted. This is the power of unity.
“And we will manage our State ourselves. And when we are able to manage that, we can manage Malaysia better. We want to have equal relations, like this,” he said while gesturing with his hand, stressing equality.
“Not under, like this. This means we respect each other — like Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya are equal partners,” he said.
He added that Sabah should no longer be termed as State No. 12.
A reporter who noticed tears rolling down Dr Jeffrey’s cheeks asked him about it.
“Datuk, why are the tears falling?”
He struggled briefly, seemingly holding back more tears.
“Because last time, I fought and went to jail. I got out, and it is still the same, unresolved.
“If we continue to be like this, until when will Sabah be colonised; until when will we be disunited and ruled upon? Until when will we suffer loss? We want it like that? We must stop for a while, and we must make a decision. Enough is enough.”
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