KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15 — Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has reiterated its commitment to the spirit and objectives of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), signed in April last year, and said it remains open to dialogue, provided PBS is serious about upholding the agreement.
STAR information chief Anuar Ghani in a statement today said the MoU, signed on April 18, 2024, was rooted in a shared vision of uniting the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus (KDMR) community and addressing the long-standing issues affecting the people of Sabah.
“The MoU was signed in realisation of the common struggle and the need of the KDMR people to unite, cooperate and collaborate to ensure they can give the fullest endeavour and effort to the resolution of the issues facing the people of Sabah,” Anuar said.
“Both parties acknowledged that only through unity, cooperation and collaboration will they be able to realise the people’s aspirations and protect Sabah’s rights and sovereignty,” he added.
Anuar stressed that STAR remains committed to the principles outlined under Clause 2 of the MoU, which include resolving perennial issues such as the presence of illegal immigrants, pursuing Sabah’s constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and seeking a fairer 40 per cent net revenue special grant as stipulated under the Federal Constitution.
Among other key areas of cooperation listed were the return of oil and gas rights to Sabah, state autonomy in education and health, protection of native customary land, eradication of poverty, good governance, food security, and conservation efforts.
“These are the core of STAR’s struggle for Sabah rights, and STAR will continue to be guided by these principles,” said Anuar.
He acknowledged that under Clause 5, the MoU could be dissolved or suspended by mutual agreement, but emphasised that STAR is prepared to engage constructively if PBS demonstrates genuine commitment to the pact.
The statement was issued in response to remarks made by PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai on Monday, regarding the status of cooperation between PBS and STAR.
On the matter of seat allocations, Anuar clarified that no agreement had been finalised.
“Negotiations and discussions were held but not finalised,” he said, adding that STAR’s decision to exit from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) was in direct compliance with the mandate given by party delegates during the STAR Convention on July 12.
“The delegates clearly demanded that GRS, PBS, and STAR go solo. Yet, in a breathtaking display of political deafness, PBS has ignored this overwhelming, earth-shaking chorus of unity from the very grassroots they claim to serve,” he stated.
Anuar questioned PBS’s rationale for disregarding the clear call for unity and transparency within the KDMR community.
“PBS has still not explained why it chose to ignore the voice of the people, which was loud and clear. Is this a decision by a few leaders in PBS, or a decision voted on by the Supreme Council? PBS, STAR members, and the whole KDMR community have a right to know,” he said. — The Borneo Post
