Sabah Politics on Edge: Is STAR's Exit a Game Changer or Just Noise? The recent departure of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) from Sabah's ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), has sent ripples through the political landscape. But is this truly a seismic event that will reshape the upcoming state elections on November 29th, or is it merely a tempest in a teacup? Let's dive deep and unpack the potential consequences.
On October 2nd, 2025, STAR officially withdrew from the GRS coalition, marking yet another twist in Sabah's famously dynamic political story. This move came just days before the state legislative assembly was dissolved on October 6th, paving the way for the 17th state election. STAR's exit underscores the inherent volatility of Sabah politics and hints at possible further realignments as the election draws near. But here's where it gets controversial... is STAR's departure a fatal blow to GRS, or an opportunity in disguise?
To understand the situation, it's crucial to grasp the context. STAR's decision to leave stemmed from GRS's choice to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH), a coalition including Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), the Democratic Action Party (DAP), and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) – UPKO exited the PH coalition on November 10th. STAR firmly believed that GRS should contest the election independently. If any pact with PH was unavoidable, STAR insisted that PH's participation should be limited to a maximum of seven seats, significantly fewer than the 20+ seats PH reportedly desired. This disagreement proved to be the breaking point.
STAR, holding six seats, is the third-largest party in the 73-seat assembly, behind Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) with seven seats and Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan) with a commanding 26 seats. However, the actual impact of STAR's departure might be less dramatic than it initially appears. And this is the part most people miss... five of STAR's six assemblymen have chosen to remain within GRS, effectively diminishing STAR's on-the-ground strength. While STAR's withdrawal certainly disrupts GRS's internal dynamics, it also raises critical questions: Does GRS risk alienating crucial indigenous Kadazandusun support? Will this lead to a fragmentation of the Kadazandusun vote?
STAR draws a significant portion of its support from the Kadazandusun community, which constitutes approximately 20% of Sabah's population. Alongside PBS, STAR has historically been a key voice for the Kadazandusun people within GRS. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between PBS and STAR in April 2024 was a symbolic milestone, representing their combined influence in Kadazandusun-majority areas. For many in the community, this unity evoked memories of the 1980s when Kadazandusun leaders, under PBS, held significant political power.
The historical significance of this partnership is undeniable. Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the founding president of PBS, remains revered as the Huguan Siou – the paramount leader of the Kadazandusun. His younger brother, Jeffrey Kitingan, the president of STAR, was once a prominent figure in PBS and is widely considered its ideological architect. Jeffrey's arrest in the 1990s under the Internal Security Act (ISA), due to his regionalist views and alleged secessionist ambitions, further solidified his image as a political icon. While his supporters view him as a visionary championing Sabah's rights, his critics see him as a political maverick, often stirring controversy.
With STAR's departure, GRS loses a key link to Kadazandusun voters. Gagasan, the leading party in GRS led by caretaker Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, lacks a strong Kadazandusun base and relies on PBS and STAR to garner support from this community. Now, with only PBS remaining, GRS's grip on the Kadazandusun vote is increasingly uncertain, particularly as the coalition's other component parties primarily focus on Muslim Bumiputera and mixed constituencies. This could be a critical vulnerability for GRS in the upcoming elections.
However, PBS isn't without its own challenges. Acting party president Joachim Gunsalam is currently facing a mining controversy and lacks the widespread respect and influence that Pairin or Jeffrey command within the Kadazandusun community. Joachim also faces internal pressure, with some party members reportedly considering leaving in protest against PBS's decision to remain in GRS. This internal dissent could further weaken PBS's ability to effectively represent the Kadazandusun community.
While Pairin, now PBS's premier advisor, reportedly favors contesting solo, the rest of the leadership recognizes the strategic advantages of staying within GRS, particularly in terms of securing federal support and leveraging incumbency advantages in rural areas. The cautionary tale of their isolation by the Mahathir-led federal government in the 1980s remains fresh in their minds.
At the joint PBS-STAR convention in July 2025, delegates expressed significant grassroots support for contesting the election alone. Yet, STAR's departure might not automatically translate into a surge of Kadazandusun support for the party. While Jeffrey has long championed the "Sabah for Sabahans" cause, not all Kadazandusun voters necessarily align with this message or remain loyal to STAR. This is a complex issue, as different segments of the Kadazandusun community have varying priorities and concerns.
Furthermore, given that five of its six assemblymen are staying put within GRS, STAR now lacks crucial on-the-ground party machinery, significantly weakening its organizational strength and outreach capabilities. This defection demonstrates that many STAR supporters are more loyal to their local representatives than to the party itself or its core ideologies. This is a crucial point to consider when assessing STAR's future prospects.
Meanwhile, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM), led by Kudat MP and Bandau assemblyman Wetrom Bahanda, might be poised to capitalize on the situation. Disillusioned Kadazandusun youth are increasingly viewing PBS and STAR as stagnant, dominated by established elites, and lacking the fresh leadership and innovative ideas needed to effectively advance Kadazandusun interests. If PKDM can leverage this momentum by fielding strong Kadazandusun candidates in constituencies traditionally held by PBS and STAR, it could disrupt their dominance and offer a compelling alternative. The party currently holds one state assembly seat, giving them a small but significant foothold.
It's crucial to avoid the assumption that Kadazandusun voters are a homogenous bloc or that they vote solely based on ethnicity or the "Sabah for Sabahans" narrative. Within the community, diverse sub-ethnic groups maintain distinct cultural and political identities. Basic needs – development, job opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and access to essential services – remain top priorities, particularly in rural areas. These bread-and-butter issues often outweigh purely ethnic considerations.
Consequently, while STAR's exit carries symbolic weight, it's unlikely to trigger a widespread surge of Kadazandusun support for the party or lead to an immediate collapse of GRS. The ultimate impact will depend on GRS's ability to field credible candidates, address local concerns effectively, and maintain the perception of coalition unity. Similarly, STAR's challenge will be to rebuild its party machinery, demonstrate its relevance beyond Jeffrey's personal legacy, and connect with a younger, more critical electorate. The coming weeks will reveal whether STAR's departure serves as a catalyst for political renewal or simply another chapter in Sabah's ever-evolving coalition politics.
What do you think? Will STAR's gamble pay off, or will GRS weather the storm? Is the 'Sabah for Sabahans' narrative still resonating with voters, or are bread-and-butter issues taking precedence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
