KOTA KINABALU, Oct 7 — Five former Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) assemblymen have reaffirmed their commitment to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), distancing themselves from party president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan’s decision to go solo in the upcoming state election.

In a joint statement, deputy president Datuk Ellron Angin (Sook), Datuk Robert Tawik @ Nordin (Bingkor), Datuk Abidin Madingkir (Paginatan), Datuk Annuar Ayub (Liawan), and Datuk Flovia Ng (Tulid) said they will contest their respective seats under the GRS logo.

“We will maintain our position to continue working with GRS and fully support the leadership of the chief minister,” the group said, citing political stability as the reason for their decision.

“We stand firm in remaining with GRS and will defend our seats under the GRS symbol as a sign of loyalty to the people’s mandate and for the stability of Sabah.

“In our view, the political stability of the state and continuity of development are top priorities under the present Sabah government. Therefore, we will hold firm to the mandate and trust given to us by the people.”

The five also said any decision regarding the party’s direction should be discussed carefully to safeguard the interests of the people and the state.

Their declaration comes following Kitingan’s announcement that STAR would contest the 17th Sabah state election using its own logo under the “Sabah for Sabahans” movement.

Kitingan had also said he would give the five until tomorrow to change their minds and return to the party fold.

Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who announced the dissolution of the state assembly yesterday, confirmed that the five STAR incumbents had chosen to stand with GRS despite their party’s automatic expulsion from the coalition.

 Malay Mail – Malaysia