LABUAN: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and its president, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, are moving forward with renewed leadership and a clear focus on strengthening the party’s direction following the departure of its five former Sabah State Assembly members.
Labuan STAR Coordinator Datuk Kapitan Stephen Teo said Dr Jeffrey and the current leadership remain steadfast in advancing STAR’s core struggle — championing the rights and autonomy of Sabah within the Malaysian federation.
“Dr Jeffrey and STAR continue to champion the rights and autonomy of the people of Sabah within Malaysia,” said Stephen, who is also the STAR Karambunai Division Chief.
He was responding to remarks by Lau Seng Kiat of Labuan, who had claimed that STAR had become a “one-man army” led by a “general” who, at 76, might be fighting his last battle in the upcoming Sabah state election.
Stephen said Lau should take a forward-looking view, especially as Sabah approaches nomination day and the forthcoming state election (PRN).
“It is more constructive to focus on the future of Sabah politics rather than revisiting the past of the Kadazan-Dusun-Murut (KDM) community or the institution of the Huguan Siou. STAR is a party for all Sabahans, not just the KDM,” he stressed.
He reiterated that STAR’s struggle is inclusive, guided by the principles of fairness, unity, and the restoration of Sabah’s rightful position within Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Labuan STAR Division Chief Walther Philip Michael said the dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly marks the beginning of a new phase in the state’s political landscape.
“The so-called ‘one-man army led by a general’ narrative no longer applies. It is now time for all political parties to return to the people and seek a fresh mandate,” said Walther.
He added that support for Dr Jeffrey remains strong, as reflected in the recent launch of the Labuan STAR Division and the overwhelming turnout of members from across Sabah who gathered at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to welcome their president.
“Such a show of unity and enthusiasm clearly demonstrates the unwavering spirit of STAR members statewide, rallying behind a true fighter for Sabah’s rights,” he said.
