08-08-2025
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.
