KOTA MARUDU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) Bandau Division Chief Ardino Diris has announced that he and more than half of his division’s committee members will remain with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, despite the party’s top leadership deciding to withdraw from it.
Describing the move as a difficult but principled decision, Ardino said his loyalty to GRS stems from the coalition’s commitment to Sabah’s stability, unity, and continued development under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said his political journey alongside Star President Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan since 2006 had been one of dedication and shared struggle for Sabah’s rights.
“I am proud that the struggle for Sabah’s rights, once championed by Dr. Jeffrey and Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee, has now become a collective effort shared by all local political parties, NGOs, and Sabahans who love this state,” Ardino said after chairing the Star Bandau Division Committee meeting on Sunday.
Ardino reaffirmed his division’s full commitment to GRS and to Hajiji’s leadership, which he credited with achieving significant progress and delivering many of Sabah’s rights within the framework of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“GRS is more than just a political coalition, it is the embodiment of Sabahans’ aspirations for unity among local parties under one stable and balanced administration,” he said.
Among those aligned with Ardino’s stand are Division Deputy Chiefs Okiong Gintotok and Jappri Taising; Division Secretary Helney Johari; Treasurer Jennifer Mampahau; Organising Secretary Kahil Masnting; and Information Chief Felix Kain.
Also present were committee members Jastin Ingkal, Dul Surugau, Lirus Galanang, Roy Chong, S. Mardi Bakri, and Internal Auditor Inglis Bakorta, along with Bureau Heads and 53 of the division’s 71 branch chiefs, who all expressed solidarity with the decision.
Ardino also expressed gratitude to Dr. Jeffrey for his guidance and leadership over the years.
“I value the experiences and opportunities I’ve had in STAR, and I thank the president for his trust and mentorship,” he said.
On his position as Star’s Deputy Information Chief at the central level and Division Chief for N.6 Bandau, Ardino said he would leave the matter to the party leadership.
“I will respect whatever decision is made in accordance with the party’s constitution,” he added.