Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee said they parted ways with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) after “irreconcilable differences” emerged over the party’s policy proposals, despite constructive and respectful discussions within the coalition.
“The draft manifesto proposed by SAPP to the GRS earlier this year was rejected. Key issues like the GRS going solo in all 73 State seats were rejected outright,” he said.
“This is why SAPP decided to join forces with the Star Sabah to continue championing the State’s rights and interests.” These included return of Labuan to Sabah, Sabah IC and the appointment of TYT Negara.
“Land reforms, Continental Shelf rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) matters were not given adequate priority, he claimed.
“Since our proposals cannot be agreed, our struggle in GRS became hollow. SAPP then had to choose to carry on our struggle our own way,” he said in a statement.
“SAPP chose to continue our struggle with a party led by a leader who has proven himself to be unwavering and fearless in his struggle for Sabah rights,” he said, referring to Star Sabah led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
He praised Jeffrey’s dedication to Sabah’s cause, noting his (Jeffrey) detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA). “This is an extremely rare strength of character of a leader,” Yong added.
He pointed to past Star Sabah-SAPP efforts as proof that persistence pays off, including the 12-year campaign that led to recognition of Sabah Day in 2024 and the 13-year fight to declassify the Double Six tragedy report.
He also pointed out how SAPP’s three-year push from 2010 to 2013 made the MA63 a mainstream issue, forcing Federal concessions including Borneonisation of the public service.
“By now, even Malaya parties jump onto the MA63 bandwagon because they cannot fight against the will of the Sabah people,” he said, noting however that the road ahead would be challenging.
“Political struggle is not a bed of roses. People offering themselves as candidates must realise that politics can be brutal and rough.
“Being a candidate is not a privilege. There will be more pains and bitterness before Sabahans can taste the sweet fruit of success,” he said.
“On the matter of seats sharing in the GRS, I have refused to propose which seats SAPP wanted to contest unless the GRS first commits to going solo for the 73 seats.”