KOTA MARUDU: The decision by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) Bandau Division Chief Ardino Diris to continue supporting Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor reflects the collective voice of the grassroots in the division.
Star Bandau Information Chief Felix Kain said the decision was reached through discussions and consensus among leaders at all levels, involving 10 polling district centres (PDMs) and more than 50 Community Leaders’ Committees (JPK).
“He listened to and respected the voices of many because good leadership must be rooted in the grassroots,” he said in a statement.
Responding to claims by the Deputy Division Chief that Bandau Star has 13 PDMs with 4,000 active members, Felix commended the enthusiasm and hard work but stressed that all official activities and reports must go through the division office.
He noted that some movements were conducted without formal notification, creating a perception of divided leadership and confusion among members on the ground.
“I once reminded my fellow committee members, don’t elect a leader and then abandon him.
“It’s like planting a seed but not watering it. Unfortunately, what we feared is now happening,” he said.
Felix emphasised that Star President Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan’s decision is respected and accepted as party policy, but he believed the President also understands that the Division Chief’s stand was guided by the majority grassroots sentiment.
“Our President is a rational leader who always listens to voices from the ground. The Division Chief is not rebelling, but he is merely expressing the will of the majority who wish to remain with GRS,” he said.
He rejected claims that the Division Chief’s move was intended to split the party from within, saying differing opinions are a normal part of political struggle.
“The view that those not in agreement should step down is understandable, but resigning from a post is a personal right, subject to the party leadership’s decision,” he said.
Felix urged members to evaluate the situation rationally and fairly, without being swayed by perceptions that could damage Star’s internal unity.
“What matters most is safeguarding the party’s integrity and dignity. We must not let minor differences undermine our greater cause,” he said.
Clarifying the Division Chief’s absence from a programme with the President on Sept 19, Felix said it was due to a scheduling mix-up.
“The division meeting on Aug 17 had proposed that the programme with the President be held in early October, but no final date was set.
“The Sept 19 event was arranged without official notice, the Division Secretary only received information a day earlier, while the Chief was already scheduled for a PDM Panaitan event,” he explained.
Felix also revealed that certain party activities had been carried out without the division’s knowledge, including the submission of membership forms with names of deceased individuals and the appointment of PDM and JPK heads without the Division Chief’s endorsement.
“Bypassing the division leadership undermines credibility and the official record of the organisation. All party affairs must adhere to discipline and proper channels,” he said.
He said 12 out of 22 Bandau Division committee members,including six elected and six appointed will continue to back Ardino’s leadership in supporting GRS.
“This episode should serve as a lesson to all Star divisions not to allow differences in opinion to weaken party unity,” Felix said.
Felix also called on all Star members in Bandau to reunite under the original cause founded by the party’s President.
“The Bandau constituency and the struggle pioneered by Jeffrey are a shared trust. Let us unite, serve, and fight for Bandau and Star Sabah,” he said.