Star urged to quit GRS after deal with Harapan
This followed Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s confirmation that GRS has sealed a pact with Pakatan Harapan ahead of the upcoming state polls.
Former Tuaran MP Kalakau Untol, in a statement, said this was because...
A veteran Sabah politician has urged Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) to quit the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and honour the trust of Sabahans.
This followed Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s confirmation that GRS has sealed a pact with Pakatan Harapan ahead of the upcoming state polls.
Former Tuaran MP Kalakau Untol, in a statement, said this was because the public’s patience had worn thin.
“Enough is enough! The people of Sabah are tired of endless political games that put coalition deals above the real struggles of ordinary Sabahans.
“Today, I call on Star to make a clean and bold break from GRS,” said the Sulaman Star division chief.
Kalakau (above) also claimed supporters who had hoped for GRS to go solo were now “deeply disappointed” that the coalition had chosen to partner with both Harapan and BN.
“This deep disappointment is causing many supporters to burst out in anger on social media,” he said, warning that Star risks losing grassroots support in the state election if it delays leaving the coalition.
So far, GRS has pledged cooperation with Harapan, while Harapan has also allied with BN.
However, GRS and BN are expected to clash in seats eyed by candidates from both coalitions.
Staying no longer an option
Elaborating, Kalakau said Star’s founding struggle was rooted in safeguarding Sabah’s dignity and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“But within GRS, Star’s identity and spirit are slowly being silenced and drowned by compromises that do not reflect the heartbeat of the rakyat,” said Kalakau, who also criticised Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) leaders for remaining beholden to GRS despite the coalition’s alignment with Harapan and BN.
“Staying in GRS is no longer an option if Star wants to remain true to its founding struggle.
“Leaving GRS is not just about politics - it is about integrity, honour, and staying loyal to the mandate of Sabahans who entrusted Star to fight for them,” he said.
GRS holds 42 of 73 seats in the Sabah assembly.
Its eight components include Hajiji’s Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Star, PBS, Sabah Progressive Party, Parti Cinta Sabah, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party, and the United Sabah National Organisation.
