KOTA MARUDU: Bandau Star chief Ardino Diris and more than half of his committee members have decided to remain with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) despite the party’s leadership leaving the coalition.
Ardino said the decision was not an easy one as he has been with Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan for 19 years since his early political days in Marudu.
He expressed pride in witnessing how the struggle for Sabah’s rights, once led by Jeffrey and Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, has now become a shared mission among local political parties, NGOs, and individuals.
Ardino said his division continues to support GRS and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, believing that the coalition has achieved significant progress in advancing Sabah’s rights and reflects the people’s aspiration for unity under one formal platform.
Among those backing Ardino’s stance are vice chiefs Okiong Gintotok and Jappri Taising, secretary Helney Johari, treasurer Jennifer Mampahau, information chief Felix Kain, and 53 of 71 branch leaders from Bandau Star.