Jeffrey Kitingan’s ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ principle has never wavered, says STARSabah info chief

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 23): Attempts to portray Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STARSabah) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan as politically erratic or inconsistent are misleading and intellectually dishonest, said the party’s Information Chief Anuar Ghani Gilong.

In a statement, Anuar said such narratives deliberately oversimplify Sabah’s political realities and trivialise the responsibilities of leadership in a fragmented post-election landscape.

“The principle of ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ has never wavered. It is not a slogan of convenience nor a campaign-season chant. It is the ideological foundation upon which STARSabah was built and continues to operate,” he said.

According to Anuar, what has changed is the post-election political configuration, which requires responsibility, strategic judgment and political maturity, rather than ideological rigidity detached from the welfare of the people.

He stressed that Dr Jeffrey’s commitment to Sabah’s rights, autonomy and self-governance under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has remained 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 STARSabah’s decision to exit Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ahead of the 17th State Election was a clear and principled stand that Sabah’s state elections must be driven by local parties.

“That position was never abandoned. However, once the rakyat delivered their mandate through the ballot box, the obligation of responsible leadership prevailed, to ensure stability, governance and continuity for Sabah, not endless political brinkmanship,” he said.

He emphasised that supporting a state government does not equate to submission or a compromise of principles, adding that STARSabah remains an independent check and balance, prepared to speak out whenever Sabah’s interests are threatened.

“This position was unanimously supported and endorsed by the STARSabah Supreme Council at its last meeting for the year on Dec 22,” he said.

Anuar said political maturity should not be measured by theatrics, insults or provocation, but by the ability to shield the people from instability and power vacuums.

“Choosing opposition for symbolism alone, while governance falters and the people suffer, is not bravery. It is an abdication of responsibility,” he said.

Responding to age-based insinuations and claims that the 17th State Election would be Dr Jeffrey’s “final election”, Anuar said leadership should be judged by wisdom, consistency and courage, not age.

“Dr Jeffrey stands among the most experienced and steadfast advocates of Sabah’s rights, long before MA63 became a fashionable political catchphrase,” he said.

He added that the struggle for Sabah is a long-term mission that demands strategic thinking and resilience, not political gamesmanship.

“Sabah does not need mockery or cynicism. Sabah demands leadership that is principled, mature and accountable,” he said.