Development in Bingkor to Remain Orderly Despite STAR’s Move to the Opposition Bloc

9 December 2025

KENINGAU: Following the announcement by STAR President, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, that the party has officially joined the opposition bloc, the administrative position of the Bingkor State Constituency (DUN) represented by STAR has likewise shifted in accordance with this new alignment.

This change occurs despite the fact that the Bingkor State Assemblyman (ADUN), Datuk Ishak Datuk Ayub, is currently serving as an Assistant Minister in the State Cabinet.

According to state administrative practice, a party’s position—whether in government or the opposition—determines the channels and coordination of development affairs in its respective constituencies.

With STAR now in the opposition bloc, all matters concerning development, welfare, and public services in Bingkor are placed under the responsibility of the ruling state government, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

GRS Liau Polling District Centre (PDM) Chief, Harry Gitik, said this responsibility is crucial to ensure continuity in governance and to prevent any disruption to ongoing projects or public services.

“The people of Bingkor need uninterrupted development without political confusion. As the state government is now led by GRS, all development matters and welfare services for the people of Bingkor fall under GRS’s management to ensure plans proceed smoothly and benefits continue to reach the community,” he said.

He added that it is GRS’s priority to ensure that all initiatives set out by the state government including basic infrastructure, community well-being programmes, local economic development, and aid coordination, continue in an orderly manner regardless of changing political dynamics.

Harry also stressed that the move is not politically motivated, but an administrative necessity to ensure effective governance and prevent the public from being affected by political uncertainty.

“This is not about where each party stands. It is about ensuring every ringgit of state allocation reaches its target, every project is carried out on schedule, and every community programme continues without obstruction. Governance must be clear, organised, and free from confusion,” he said.

He explained that GRS’s commitment aligns with the state government’s policies under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, which emphasise balanced development, public welfare, and administrative stability as the foundation for Sabah’s progress.

“GRS at the constituency level will ensure that the people of Bingkor continue to receive government services fairly, in line with the Chief Minister’s aspiration to bring development to all districts regardless of political background.

“With this clarification, GRS Bingkor hopes the people will remain confident that development in their area will continue to be assured, stable, and managed under clear administrative coordination so that its benefits can be fully enjoyed by the local community,” he said.