By Yussof J. Imbang
RANAU; The Kuamut Division Solidarity Party (STAR) has garnered the attention of Netezen by expressing its political backing for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the State Election (PRN-17).
Mandik Yadam, the chief of the Star Kuamut division, stated that despite party president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffery Kitingan’s significant decision to withdraw from the GRS coalition, Star Kuamut has chosen to maintain its alliance with GRS.
He made this statement after attending a meeting with the Kuamut Division GRS Committee members yesterday.
“We convened a Star Division Meeting on Saturday in response to Jefferi’s decision to part ways with GRS for the PRN-17, opting instead to contest independently with their own symbol.
All members of the STAR Division Committee have unanimously agreed to continue their support for GRS and will fully back the candidates contesting under GRS tickets in Kuamut.
“We respect Jefferi’s position as the party president, but for this PRN-17 campaign, we have chosen to align with GRS Kuamut, led by Datuk Masiung Banah.
The meeting was attended not only by STAR but also by all component parties of Kuamut GRS, including Masum Takin (Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS)) and James Aik (USNO).
The Division’s GRS Meeting was presided over by Masiung, who is also the Chairman of GRS Kuamut and the Head of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat). Mandik, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of GRS Kuamut, mentioned that he had discussed the meeting with the Star Division Committee.
The Star Division has also decided not to field a candidate for PRN-17 in Kuamut to ensure that GRS secures a significant victory in the region.
“The political collaboration within GRS must be preserved, as Masiung, representing Kuamut, is viewed as crucial for the development planning of Tongod District.
“We have established political stability in Kuamut for nearly five years without division; it would be inappropriate for us to abandon our ongoing struggle,” he added.