By Allan G Dumbong, International Correspondent
KOTA KINABALU – Datuk Kalakau Untol, deputy chairman of the United Sabah Dusun Association (USDA) and former Member of Parliament for Tuaran, has called on all Sabahans, regardless of their political, religious, or cultural background, to support the proposed merger between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR).
He emphasised that such a move was essential for political consolidation and stability in the state.
Kalakau supported STAR chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s proposal and emphasised Kitingan’s long-standing commitment to the unification of indigenous communities and the full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
According to Kalakau, Kitingan’s leadership qualities — his calm demeanour, unwavering stance on Sabah’s rights and inclusive approach — make him a strong advocate for greater autonomy for the state.
“The fight for the unification of the indigenous peoples of Sabah and the active implementation of MA63 is nothing new to Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
We have seen the dedication and consistency with which he fights for the rights of Sabah,” said Kalakau.
“He has always been open to working with all Sabahans, regardless of their ethnicity, culture or religion.”
Kalakau, who is also a former deputy federal minister, emphasised that Kitingan’s vision is in line with the aspirations of younger generations, particularly Generation Y and Generation Z, who aspire for a political model like Sarawak’s — one that prioritises state autonomy with minimal interference from federal authorities.
His comments echo those of Senator Datuk Edward Linggu, the secretary-general of STAR Sabah, who had earlier stated that the citizens of Sabah should be able to determine their own future.
Linggu has argued in favour of greater self-governance, allowing the state to plan its own development agenda without excessive federal control.
Kalakau urged the leadership, youth and women of PBS and STAR to rally behind the merger, calling it a crucial step towards a stronger and more united Sabah.
He believes the proposed consolidation will strengthen the state’s political landscape and enable better representation of Sabah’s interests in the Malaysian political context.
“The vision of PBS founder and former president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and his successors Datuk Seri Panglima Maximus J. Ongkili and Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam fits well with this noble idea.
Now is the time to realise it,” Kalakau added
