06-07-2025
Call for STAR to exit GRS gains ground amid rising grassroots support
Richard Libun Adou
KOTA KINABALU (July 6): The idea of Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (STAR) withdrawing from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition is no longer just speculative — it is gaining substantial support among the grassroots, said a political observer.
Richard Libun Adou, former vice president of Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), stated that many now feel that STAR stands at a critical political crossroads. 'The time has come, they believe, for the party to explore a bold, independent path forward — one that stays true to its founding principles and better reflects the hopes of the rakyat,' he said in a statement on Sunday.
Richard said Datuk Raymond Tombung's insightful article titled 'Should STAR Leave GRS?', published in The Borneo Post on Saturday, eloquently outlined key strategic concerns:
The growing perception of marginalisation within the coalition, misalignment on key policy directions, especially on issues such as MA63 and local autonomy, the increasing grassroots sentiment behind 'Sabah for Sabahans', and the urgency of political clarity before PRN17 (17th state election), to avoid being caught unprepared in a shifting landscape.
'As someone who believes in STAR's potential, I echo the call for the President and Supreme Council of STAR to take this reflection seriously and act decisively. The voice of the grassroots must not be ignored.
The longer the hesitation, the greater the risk of losing momentum — and perhaps, relevance,' he added.
Recently, Jeffrey dismissed concerns over a viral video clip suggesting his party might leave the GRS coalition, stating the footage was taken out of context.
The Deputy Chief Minister I clarified that the clip, which appeared to show him saying STAR would exit GRS if the coalition were pressured to collaborate with Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), was part of a broader discussion during STAR's recent anniversary event.
