Kota Kinabalu: Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Star) Deputy President Datuk Kenny Chua has urged Sabahans to remain discerning amid a mining license scandal allegedly involving Star President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
A new video recently surfaced linking Dr Jeffrey to the scandal, but Chua dismissed it as a familiar political tactic. He said Sabah’s political history is riddled with smear campaigns, especially during election seasons.
Chua pointed to long-standing federal-state tensions and cited the 1990 general election, when Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) pulled out of Barisan Nasional to fight for state rights.
PBS then aligned with Semangat 46, led by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, in a bid to challenge BN’s dominance. However, the opposition was undermined by racial and religious narratives—most notably, pro-BN media accused Tengku Razaleigh of pushing a Christianization agenda in Sabah, damaging his support in the state.
“These tactics aren’t new,” Chua said, suggesting the latest allegations are part of a broader agenda to divide and manipulate Sabahans.
He also questioned the timing and focus of the viral videos involving businessman Albert Tei, suggesting a deliberate effort to stir distrust for political gain.
“This election is a defining moment,” Chua said.
“Sabahans, especially our youth, are angry. They know these games, and they deserve better. Our future must no longer be dictated by outsiders trying to control Sabah through fear and division.”