TAWAU: The decision by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President Datuk Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan to pull his party out of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition without relinquishing his position or interests in the State Government seems unusual or strange.
Parti Warisan Deputy President Datuk Ignatius Darell Leiking said Jeffrey should show his sincerity if he is truly no longer interested to work with GRS particularly by immediately resigning from his posts as Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“He has the right to make that decision because it is his party, but wouldn’t it be better if, instead of just disagreeing with GRS President Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s decision to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the state election), he take a more serious step?“For example, by resigning from his ministerial post instead of taking a halfway stance,” he said, Saturday.
He also questioned Jeffrey’s justification for leaving GRS over alleged disagreement with collaborating with parties from outside Sabah but still having people from across the sea in their WhatsApp group.
He added that even among the cabinet members, questions have arisen since there are still ministers from peninsula-based parties such as Umno in the State Cabinet, despite their parties not being in formal cooperation with the State Government.
Asked about the support of the KadazanDusunMurutRungus (KDMR) community and those from the West Coast, Darell said Warisan does not wish to be seen as a party that leans toward any particular community or region.
“Warisan was born out of support from all segments of society, including the KDMR community, and I believe the call for unity among all Sabahans of various races must be prioritised,” he said.
He hoped Sabahans would not be swayed by divisive sentiments, especially those involving race, but continue to uphold harmony and mutual respect among communities.
“For too long, we have been made to think along racial lines, so let us now build collective support regardless of race by emphasising unity as the key to achieving our shared goals,” he said.