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Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Mustapha's son rejoins politics at 75
Published on: Saturday, August 09, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 09, 2025 Text Size: Kahar (right) submits his application to Jeffrey with Jerry at left. Kota Kinabalu: Former Banggi assemblyman Datuk Amir Kahar Tun Datu Mustapha has re-entered the political arena, joining the Sabah-based Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star). The 75-year-old five-term state assemblyman and three-term MP for Marudu, submitted his membership form to Star President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan at a low-key ceremony here on Wednesday, witnessed by senior party figure Datuk Jerry Ambuting Mohd Said. Advertisement Amir Kahar is the son of the late Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun, Sabah's first Head of State and third Chief Minister. Despite his long absence from active politics, Amir said the gravity of Sabah's economic crisis and the pervasiveness of corruption compelled him to return. 'I'm less than 25 years away from turning 100, yet here I am, coming back, because I'm alarmed. 'This isn't a war we're fighting, its economic collapse. Corruption is everywhere. If not for that, I'd simply live out my days in peace,' he said. Advertisement Describing his comeback as a moral and spiritual obligation, Amir said he had spent much of the past year reflecting on the path forward. 'This is my way of doing good, by returning to the political fight against corruption. 'I've thought long and hard, and I'm standing again with Dr Jeffrey not just a friend, but a brother-in-struggle. We've fought together since 1986. We were only ever separated by those who feared our unity.' He also took aim at the state's entrenched poverty, dismissing official categories of 'hardcore' or otherwise. 'To me, poverty is poverty and Sabah, once rich in resources, is today the poorest state in the country,' he said. Calling for a united front to protect the future of Sabah's youth, Amir urged the people not to remain passive. 'We elders have tasted hardship and prosperity. But the young those 15, 20, 30 years old they don't know it yet. It's our duty to ensure they have a future. These hands carry our fate, for better or worse,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Amir Kahar re-enters political arena to fight graft
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Amir Kahar Mustapha (pic), son of Sabah's founding father, Tun Datu Mustapha Harun, is making a political comeback. The five-term Banggi assemblyman (1986–1994) and three-term Marudu MP (1990–2004) submitted his membership application to Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday. Amir Kahar, 75, was previously with the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Umno, before contesting as an independent in the 2020 Sabah state election. He lost in the polls and has kept a low profile since. Speaking to reporters, Amir Kahar said he is returning to politics after realising Sabah was under economic threat and plagued by corruption. 'There is corruption here and there, and this is what worries me. 'If not, I just want to enjoy life,' he said. He described this return as his last chance to do some good before the afterlife. Amir Kahar said he spent a year deliberating before deciding to re-enter politics. 'Jeffrey and I are not just friends but family. We fought side by side from 1988 to 1994 and never left each other. 'Those who separated us were people who disliked us. So sincerely, I am going to fight for the people of Sabah,' he added. He said Sabah has the richest resources in the country, yet it remains among the poorest states. Calling on Sabahans to rise up and fight for their rights and the future of their children and grandchildren, he said the youth had not experienced the full spectrum of life in Sabah. 'Those aged 15, 17, 20 or 30 have not lived through the ups and downs. But I have gone through it all. 'May we achieve our objectives, because destiny lies in our hands,' he added.
