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THREE division chiefs of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in Sabah have resigned and joined Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), citing loss of confidence in the national party’s commitment to Sabah’s interests.
The departing leaders – former Papar division chief Faisal Julail, Kota Marudu’s Mohd Faizal Saidi, and Putatan’s Datuk Azni Mohd Salleh – formally submitted their membership applications to STAR President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan during a ceremony here.
Azni said Jeffrey’s decision to leave the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) earlier this month inspired their move.
“Jeffrey could have remained in a comfortable position, enjoying all the privileges of being part of the interim government. However, he chose to leave after seeing that the leadership was unwilling to allow Sabah-based parties to stand independently,” he said.
He added that Jeffrey’s consistent efforts to secure greater autonomy for local parties within GRS were unsuccessful.
“I have observed politics for a long time, and I know that fear has never existed in him. Perhaps because he was once detained without trial and persecuted for defending Sabah’s rights, power is not something he seeks to hold,” Azni added.
Faisal praised Jeffrey’s courage in leaving GRS despite pressures, including being linked to a viral video involving Albert Tei.
“When someone acts on principle, it carries great meaning. Jeffrey’s courage reflects his integrity and sincerity in fighting for Sabah,” he said, referencing a recent High Court ruling confirming the federal government had failed to deliver the promised 40 per cent net revenue to the state.
All three former Bersatu leaders expressed frustration that Sabah’s voice is muted in national parties.
“In a national party, Sabah’s voice for Sabahans remains unheard.
“Only a local party like STAR allows us to speak on behalf of the people without bowing to a ‘head office’,” said Faisal.
STAR Information Chief Anuar Ghani said the defections demonstrated the growing momentum of the ‘Sabah For Sabahans’ movement across northern, west coast, and inland regions.
“The winds of change are sweeping across Sabah, towards Sabah For Sabahans and Justice For Sabah. For 63 years, the people of Sabah have been denied their rights. They have had enough,” he said. - November 2, 2025