TAMBUNAN: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President Datuk Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan said claims that operations room workers during the 17th State Election were not paid allowances because it is no longer part of the State Government are false and spread to damage the party’s image.
He said the delay was due to the freezing of party funds by the central authorities before the campaign began.
“Star never shirked its responsibility towards its workers who sacrificed their time, energy, and commitment,” he said in a statement.
He said efforts are underway to ensure the frozen funds can be reactivated as soon as possible.
He expressed deepest appreciation to the people of Tambunan for again giving him a strong mandate. Jeffrey secured 12,595 votes with a majority of 7,311, retaining his position as Tambunan assemblyman.
He described this trust as a great responsibility, including advancing Sabah’s rights under MA63 and the State’s 40pc revenue entitlement.
Jeffrey said now that he is outside the State Government, this position gives him even greater freedom to speak up without compromise for Sabah’s interests.
He reiterated that Star chose not to join the State Government because the party firmly believes that Sabah must be led by local parties, similar to the Sarawak model which has successfully strengthened its state autonomy through leadership by Sarawakians themselves.
He said Sabah’s future must be shaped by the aspirations of Sabahans — not dictated or influenced by outside political parties.