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PARTI Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Sabah has formally granted Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) the opportunity to contest the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) seats of Matunggung and Kundasang, a decision described as a strategic step to strengthen unity within the state, even on a smaller scale.
STAR Secretary-General Datuk Edward Linggu emphasised that unlike PBS, which must navigate internal and coalition negotiations within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), STAR retains the freedom to field candidates in any DUN across Sabah.
“STAR hopes that PBS will welcome this initiative, and our expectations were initially confirmed when PBS did not claim the Tambunan seat, currently held by STAR’s president. Tambunan is not merely a ‘traditional’ seat; PBS has full rights, as a GRS component party, to contest it should the opportunity arise,” Edward Linggu said.
He also highlighted emerging concerns following a public statement by the PBS Tambunan division chief expressing support for a GRS candidate in Tambunan, which has raised questions among STAR leaders and supporters.
“Does PBS remain committed to unity? Has PBS effectively annulled the memorandum of understanding signed by its acting president? Does PBS still honour the legacy of Tan Sri Huguon Siou?
It is not unreasonable to suggest that some PBS members and leaders may be asking these very same questions,” he said.
Edward Linggu added that STAR is leaving it to the people of Sabah to evaluate the rationale behind the party’s decisions and stance, particularly in the context of its relationship with PBS, ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election (PRU17 Sabah).
The move underscores STAR’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaborative political arrangements while asserting its autonomy in candidate placement across the state. - November 22, 2025