STAR, SAPP Exit Won’t Derail GRS’ Fight for Sabah’s Rights

4 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition remains steadfast in its mission to uphold and reclaim Sabah’s rights despite the recent departure of STAR and SAPP, said Kiulu Assemblyman and GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

He emphasised that the coalition’s commitment to Sabah’s autonomy and development remains unwavering, calling for continued unity and strategic cooperation among local parties in pursuing the state’s interests.

Joniston, who also serves as Information Chief for both GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), said that although STAR and SAPP are no longer part of the coalition, both parties still share the same ideals and aspirations that led to the formation of GRS.

“After all, both STAR and SAPP were instrumental in establishing GRS, and I believe they still carry the GRS DNA,” he said during a meet-the-people session in Kampung Tomis Jaya on Saturday.

He expressed hope that both parties would continue to support efforts to defend Sabah’s rights and interests, even outside the coalition framework.

Joniston noted that political alignments may change, but the shared objective of safeguarding Sabah’s autonomy and advancing its development should continue to unite local political parties.

He reminded that PBS, having governed the state from 1985 to 1994, had learned valuable lessons about the importance of cooperation in defending Sabah’s rights.

“Those years taught us that protecting Sabah’s rights is not easy. We must learn from that experience as we navigate today’s political realities,” he said.

From that experience, Joniston said it became evident that confrontation alone could not resolve issues, whereas dialogue and mutual understanding often opened more avenues for Sabah’s progress.

In this regard, he stressed that cooperation with the Federal Government should be seen as a strategic partnership, allowing Sabah to pursue its rights through constructive dialogue and engagement.

“What we need is the right approach, whether through consultation or negotiation, as long as it helps us achieve meaningful outcomes for Sabah. Working closely with the Federal Government must not be viewed as submission to Putrajaya, but as a strategic effort to reclaim what rightfully belongs to us,” he added.