A political analyst has warned Jeffrey Kitingan that bringing Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) out of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah could lead to his party being split in two.
Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah expected a significant number of Kitingan’s party leaders and members to be in favour of sticking with the ruling state coalition, despite GRS’s pact with Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming state election.
“If STAR leaves GRS at this point, it will only cause a split in the party as a portion of its supporters and assemblymen will remain with GRS through ‘direct membership’ under the coalition.
“We must not forget that GRS allows for such memberships,” he told FMT.
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya agreed, casting doubt on whether Kitingan would have the backing of all six of STAR’s assemblymen to leave GRS.
“It depends on the willingness of the assemblymen to fall in line, the political pressure or deals GRS or PH can offer, as well as the political cost of leaving GRS,” he said.
Lee questioned the timing of Kitingan’s ultimatum to GRS – to scrap the pact with PH or see STAR leaving the coalition – when his party has been working comfortably in the coalition all this time.
He doubted that STAR would dare to go solo or even find new partners for the polls.
“All this time they have been comfortable working with GRS, so why would they suddenly want to leave at the last minute?” he said.
Yesterday, Kitingan said STAR would pull out of GRS if the coalition went ahead with its pact with PH, adding that this stance was based on grassroots sentiment.
The GRS deputy chairman said he would raise the matter at the coalition’s presidential council meeting, which convened last night.
He said he would “go alone” if the other assemblymen and leaders in STAR disagree with his decision to leave GRS.
STAR’s strength limited
Awang Azman said Kitingan may be overestimating himself and STAR, despite being a high-profile Sabahan politician with a strong network among the Bumiputeras, especially the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community.
He said Kitingan may be seeking to ride on the “Sabah first” wave of sentiments, pushing the narrative of resisting “West Malaysian interference”, but going solo would be a tall order.
“STAR’s actual strength has its limits. Its organisational capacity across the state may not be as big as national parties or grand coalitions. With multi-cornered contests on the cards at the polls, a victory going solo would be tough to achieve.
“Voters sitting on the fence would be more pragmatic, and assess who to vote for based on development. Or perhaps, they may choose candidates who appear more stable or have direct links with the federal government (to ensure their area’s development),” he said.
At most, STAR would be able to defend some seats and position itself as a “strong minor player” in certain areas. However, it would not be able to form the state government on its own.
However, Awang Azman also said Kitingan’s threat may be more than empty talk, especially after the five-term MP voiced his willingness to “go alone” even if other STAR leaders do not follow suit.
“It reflects a willingness to bear the political cost on his own. Previously, he had repeatedly hinted at pulling out of GRS over issues that were deemed to affect Sabah’s autonomy.”
He said it was also possible for STAR to go solo in the state polls but go back to working with GRS after the election results, as a tactical move to attract the support of those who disagree with the pact with PH.
