PUTATAN: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star Sabah) Tanjung Keramat Division Chief Duarin Harris resigned from his position in the party but vowed to continue backing Sabah’s ruling coalition.
Duarin stepped down with immediate effect on Oct 15, taking his entire division committee with him.
In a resignation letter to Star Sabah President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan, Duarin made clear his division would remain firmly behind the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Although I am stepping down as Division Chief, I and the entire Tanjung Keramat Star Sabah machinery remain steadfast with the GRS and Hajiji’s leadership,” he said.
The mass walkout represents a devastating setback for Star Sabah ahead of the state elections, with political observers warning it signals crumbling grassroots support following the party’s controversial decision to quit the GRS coalition.
Duarin, who led the division from 2021 to 2025, thanked Jeffrey for his support but made his priorities clear - stability and development under Hajiji’s administration.
Political watchers say the resignation not only weakens Star Sabah’s position in Putatan but suggests grassroots supporters are rejecting the party’s break from the GRS in favour of the Chief Minister’s vision for political stability and continued development.
