KOTA KINABALU: Indications have surfaced that all is not well with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) strategy to partner with Pakatan Harapan (PH), following a senior figure from Sabah Star urging the party to exit the coalition.
The Sulaman divisional chairman and former Tuaran MP Datuk Kalakau Untol expressed that supporters are dissatisfied with the agreement.
“Enough is enough. The public is weary of perpetual political maneuvers that prioritize coalition agreements over their everyday challenges.
“If STAR continues to be part of GRS, it betrays the hopes of those who relied on the party to advocate without fear or favor,” he said in a statement today.
The GRS supreme council convened on August 11 and reiterated its dedication to the electoral alliance with PH and BN.
Star president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who has previously advocated for GRS to operate independently, was present at the meeting but has not made any comments since.
This is the first instance of a Star member publicly expressing concerns about collaborating with PH and calling for the party to leave the ruling state coalition.
It remains unclear whether Kalakau’s remarks represent his personal opinion or the official position of the party.
Kalakau mentioned that Star’s foundational struggle to uphold Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is being “overwhelmed by compromises” within GRS.
He also criticized Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) for backing the coalition despite its nationalist origins in the 1980s.
“PBS is now forsaking its original mission of advocating for the rights and dignity of Sabah.
“The rakyat are anxious. They desire leaders who are willing to stand independently if needed, leaders who prioritize Sabah above all,” he remarked.
He further noted that the PH-BN agreement finalized in late July would enhance federal oversight over Sabah’s governance and resources.
“Departing from GRS is not merely a political move — it is also a matter of integrity and honor,” he concluded.
Source – The vibes
