Star Expected To Quit Grs After Seat Sharing Dispute

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Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) is expected to quit Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) following a three-hour closed-door meeting between party leaders last night.
ADSSabah Progressive Party (SAPP) is also likely to follow, with both parties expected to formalise their departure soon.
Star president Jeffrey Kitingan, who had warned that he would walk out of the coalition if it conceded too much ground to federal ally Pakatan Harapan, confirmed this morning that his party had made its decision.
“Yes… We just made our stand clear, very clear,” he said when contacted.
“There was no counting of numbers. They tried to persuade us. But there was no argument. It was amicable and respectful, as politics should be, as we are bound to meet again after the state election,” he added.
Star president Jeffrey KitinganSAPP president Yong Teck Lee, when contacted, said he would wait for Star to make its announcement official before announcing his move.
However, the political situation within GRS remains fluid, with last-minute negotiations common among Sabah leaders to avert a political crisis.
Solo run not new
Kitingan has long pushed for GRS to contest on its own, arguing that Sabah voters wanted a coalition of local parties rather than one tied to national blocs.
The breaking point came when he learned that GRS chairperson Hajiji Noor had reportedly agreed to concessions with Harapan, allowing the prime minister’s coalition to contest in roughly a third of the state seats in the upcoming election.
GRS had initially wanted to contest in 55 of Sabah’s 73 seats, leaving Harapan with just 18 seats to contest.
However, it is alleged that GRS has agreed to make concessions that would allow Harapan to contest between 21 and 23 seats.
ADSNo to continued partnership
A source familiar with the discussions said the debate over going solo last night ended with a six-to-two split, with only Star and SAPP opposing continued partnership with Harapan.
The six that opted to continue cooperation with Harapan were Hajiji’s party Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), United Sabah National Organisation, Parti Cinta Sabah, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, and the Liberal Democratic Party.
Sources described the atmosphere at the meeting as amicable and respectful despite the split.
The meeting, chaired by Hajiji at the chief minister’s official residence in Sri Gaya, began around 7pm.
Most leaders were seen leaving by 9.45pm, while Hajiji was the last to depart at about 11.30pm, waving to reporters and saying goodnight as he left.
GRS chairperson Hajiji NoorGRS has not issued an official statement on the outcome of the meeting.
But Star’s departure, if confirmed, could trigger a significant rupture within the coalition, particularly among Kadazandusun Murut-dominant parties such as PBS.
It may also complicate ongoing discussions of a Star merger with PBS, or deepen divisions among members who disagree over whether GRS should remain aligned with federal partners or commit to a purely local front.
The development comes as Kitingan faces corruption allegations and increasing legal scrutiny, adding pressure to his political position.
Businessperson Albert Tei has accused Kitingan of pocketing RM1.78 million. - Mkini

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