The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) says it remains committed to its vision of a state government led entirely by local parties following its exit from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
SAPP information chief Chin Vui Kai said the party’s exit from GRS is a “fait accompli, an irreversible and settled matter”.
“While Sabah-based local parties may adopt different strategies, we share a common goal – preventing external forces from unduly influencing Sabah’s governance,” he said in a statement today.
“Guided by the principle of ‘Sabah for Sabahans’, we act in alignment with the wishes of Sabah voters, advocating for self-determination and autonomy.”
Chin said SAPP is confident that Sabah can emulate the success story of its neighbour, Sarawak, in forming a government that solely consists of local parties, and that the party is firm in its stance that local parties should contest all 73 state seats.
“This approach upholds our principles, strengthens local autonomy, and ensures that governance remains in the hands of Sabah political parties,” he said.
On Thursday, it was announced that SAPP and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) had left GRS following disagreement with the coalition’s decision to partner with Pakatan Harapan in the coming state election.
GRS and PH are partners in both the federal and state governments.
STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan reportedly said his party’s decision reflected grassroots demands for local parties to lead Sabah without external or “Malaya agendas”.
