Kota Kinabalu: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star Sabah) reaffirmed its dedication to the spirit and objectives enshrined in its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), originally inked in April 2024.
The party insists it remains open to dialogue, provided PBS demonstrates a serious commitment to upholding the foundational agreement.
Star Sabah Information Chief Anuar Ghani said the MoU, signed on April 18, 2024, was born out of a shared vision: uniting the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus (KDMR) community and tackling the longstanding, critical issues confronting the people of Sabah.
“The MoU was executed in recognition of our common struggle and the pressing need for the KDMR community to unite, cooperate, and collaborate,” Anuar stated, highlighting the necessity of a unified front to ensure the most effective resolution of Sabah’s persistent challenges.
“Both parties recognised that only through unity, cooperation, and collaboration can we realise the aspirations of our people and safeguard Sabah’s rights and sovereignty,” he said.
Anuar said the party remains steadfastly committed to the principles outlined in Clause 2 of the MoU.
“These include resolving the enduring issue of illegal immigrants, aggressively pursuing Sabah’s constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and securing a fairer 40pc net revenue special grant as mandated by the Federal Constitution.”Key areas of cooperation also encompass the return of oil and gas rights to Sabah, greater state autonomy in education and health, protection of native customary land, poverty eradication, promotion of good governance, enhanced food security, and comprehensive conservation efforts.
“These principles are at the core of Star Sabah’s fight for Sabah’s rights, and we will continue to be guided by them,” Anuar affirmed.
While acknowledging that Clause 5 of the MoU allows for dissolution or suspension by mutual agreement, Anuar stressed that Star Sabah is prepared to engage constructively, provided PBS demonstrates a genuine and unwavering commitment to the pact.
Anuar’s remarks came after the recent statement made by PBS Information Chief, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, which cast uncertainty on the current state of cooperation between PBS and Star Sabah.
On the seat allocations issue, Anuar clarified that no definitive agreement has been reached.
“Negotiations and discussions have taken place, but nothing has been finalised,” he stated.
He further explained that Star Sabah’s decision to withdraw from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) was a direct response to the mandate issued by party delegates during the Star Convention on July 12, 2025.
“The delegates unequivocally demanded that GRS, PBS, and STAR Sabah pursue independent paths. Yet, in a stunning display of political obliviousness, PBS has disregarded this overwhelming call for unity from the very grassroots they claim to represent,” Anuar declared.
Anuar challenged PBS to justify its decision to ignore the clear and unified voice of the KDMR community.
“PBS has yet to explain why it has chosen to ignore the resounding voice of the people. Was this a decision made by a select few leaders within PBS, or was it the result of a vote by the Supreme Council? “PBS, Star Sabah members, and the entire KDMR community have a right to know,” he concluded, demanding transparency and accountability from their MoU partner.