RANAU: Incumbent Paginatan State Assemblyman, Datuk Abidin Madingkir questioned the action of StarSabah President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, in leaving the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ruling coalition at the last minute before the 17th State election (PRN17).
“Why did we (in Star) leave GRS when we had together built it,” he said, looking at the efforts of the coalition leaders in gaining the people’s trust over five years.
He said if there was intention to leave, Star should have done so earlier, for example in 2022 and not now.
“That is why we cannot agree to a decision made in a hurry,” he said, on behalf of the other five incumbent YBs, who also decided to quit Star.
“We are determined to maintain our position in GRS because we built this house together. We will take care of our house together, not tear it down.
“When I go into the villages, I always urge the residents to support the current GRS government.
“Imagine if I move away from the coalition, it means I am violating my own principles,” he said.
Nevertheless, Abidin is confident that GRS would be returned to power and ensure political stability in the state as well as development.
“Political stability is very important to maintain the development momentum that we have enjoyed for the past five years.
“We must support the SMJ 2.0 development plan that benefits the people.
“I am very proud that the people of Paginatan are always behind us and we have achieved many successes.” Among the most significant achievements were the issuance of more than 1,000 land grants through the Pantas Program which involves the measurement of more than 6,000 acres and the removal of Kg Ponulangon, Walou and Kg Kanawahon from the forest reserve.
The people also witnessed the launch of Pekan Baru Paginatan which was recently launched by the Chief Minister as proof of the government’s commitment to developing the village area and increasing the quota for the posts of Village Head and JKKK Chairman in several villages that have been established.
Meanwhile, Star Information Chief Anuar Ghani said the party’s decision to leave GRS was the will of Sabahans based on consultations rather than political opportunism.
“Dr Jeffrey has consistently prioritised the interests of Sabah’s electorate through careful consultation and grassroots engagement,” Anuar said.
“If continued GRS membership conflicts with the values and expectations of Sabahans, we must pursue a path that better serves the people,” he said.
He characterised the Star Sabah’s departure as a rejection of Malaya-based parties that have historically dominated Sabah’s political landscape.
“Sabah’s exit from the GRS directly responds to the electorate’s disapproval of the coalition’s partnership with Pakatan Harapan,” Anuar said.
“When Abidin questions the timing, there is no issue. I call it the rakyat timing because it is time for them to decide, not politicians or parties,” he said.
Anuar said unresolved issues regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 heavily influenced the Star Sabah’s decision, especially the Federal Government’s slow progress implementing MA63 provisions, particularly the constitutionally guaranteed 40% revenue share for Sabah.