Jeffrey backs Pandikar's claims of USNO marginalisation in GRS

Borneo Post

06-05-2025

Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU (May 5): United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin's recent remarks on USNO's marginalisation within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), the lack of internal consultation and the need to restore Sabah-based leadership are valid and consistent with the original objectives of GRS.
'This is exactly what Sabahans have been saying. They want genuine unity, local leadership and respect for all parties in the coalition as we head into the 17th State Election,' said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in a statement on Monday.
Jeffrey who is also the Deputy Chairman of GRS, said he understands Pandikar's frustrations as President of USNO – a full component party in GRS, regardless of its current seat count.
Referring to the Jelajah GRS event in Keningau, he confirmed there had been what appeared to be a 'gag order' issued by a junior officer attempting to restrict what party presidents could say.
'It gave the impression of 'hidden hands' at work. I personally had to persuade Tan Sri Pandikar to attend, assuring him I had no part in that order and believed his presence would demonstrate solidarity among party leaders,' he said.
Jeffrey stressed that juniors, elected or not, should never be used to publicly criticise senior leaders.
'There are proper channels. The GRS Leadership Council must be the space for discussion, not social media. We need internal discipline and courtesy.
'We must not let factionalism damage the coalition. Every party in GRS has value. Respect must be mutual. Undermining others only weakens our position going into the election,' he said.
He pointed out that GRS currently suffers from a trust deficit, worsened by whisper campaigns, poor communication and lack of structure.
'The solution is simple. We need regular leadership council meetings, open communication channels and a coalition culture based on consultation and mutual respect.
'Every component party must have a defined role or area of responsibility, even if they do not hold seats. No party should be decorative,' he said.
Jeffrey also warned that GRS must not become like other coalitions dominated by a single party that calls all the shots.
'The GRS chairmanship should rotate among the presidents of component parties not remain under one party's control. That's the only way to build real trust and reflect the spirit of a Sabah-led coalition,' he said.
Jeffrey said the coalition must also declare its stand on federal alignment ahead of the state election.
'We cannot leave voters guessing. Will GRS contest all 73 seats independently, or align with a national coalition? We must be honest and consistent. Sabahans are watching,' he said.
He also renewed his long-standing call for a unity meeting.
'This meeting must involve not just GRS component, but all Sabah-based parties who believe in local leadership and autonomy. We need to talk. We owe Sabah that much. Unity is Duty.
'GRS was originally formed to unite all local parties. That spirit must be preserved. Sabahans want their leaders to stand together like Sarawak. That means mutual respect and staying true to our slogan 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' in both policy and conduct,' he emphasised.
He urged all leaders to look beyond positions and personalities to restore credibility in GRS.
'If we fail to address these issues now, we risk losing the very mandate the people have given us,' he concluded.