By Lesaya L. Sorudim
KOTA KINABALU: The exit of Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan’s Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition marks a turning point in Sabah’s political landscape, particularly for the opposition.
While this move may seem to weaken the ruling bloc at first glance, it simultaneously opens a strategic window of opportunity for the opposition to strengthen its position and re-engage with the grassroots—especially among the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus (KDMR) communities.
1. Reconfiguration of the KDMR Political Base
For years, the KDMR vote has been fragmented among GRS, STAR, PBS, and other local parties. STAR’s departure creates a political vacuum within GRS that the opposition can fill by presenting itself as the new, united voice of KDMR aspirations. Without STAR’s presence to consolidate support for the government bloc, many traditional and rural voters may now reconsider their loyalty, seeking a fresh, principled, and community-based alternative.
2. Revival of Competitive Democracy
The exit of STAR weakens GRS’s dominance in several KDMR-majority constituencies, making them competitive once again. The opposition can now leverage this political fluidity to promote policies centered on autonomy, fair development distribution, and protection of indigenous land rights—issues close to the heart of many Sabahans. This fosters a healthier democracy where voters are not bound by one dominant coalition but have real alternatives that reflect their identity and needs.
3. Opportunity for Opposition Realignment
STAR’s exit encourages opposition parties—whether from PH, Warisan, or other local movements—to regroup and form a broader alliance with credible local leaders. By strategically engaging disillusioned KDMR voters and independent-minded STAR supporters, the opposition can project itself as a multiethnic yet locally rooted coalition capable of balancing Sabah’s interests with national unity.
4. Restoration of Political Voice for Rural Communities
The KDM and Rungus communities often feel sidelined in policy decisions dominated by urban and elite politics. The political reshuffle gives the opposition a chance to reconnect with these communities through inclusive policies, rural empowerment programs, and renewed advocacy for cultural preservation, education, and sustainable agriculture. This can translate into stronger grassroots engagement and renewed political participation.
5. A Better Alternative to GRS
With GRS perceived by some as increasingly centralized and bureaucratic, the opposition—energized by STAR’s exit—can promote itself as the people’s alternative: transparent, reform-driven, and closer to the realities of ordinary Sabahans. By offering a platform grounded in integrity, inclusivity, and equal representation, the opposition can appeal to both urban voters seeking reform and rural voters seeking recognition.
Conclusion
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The departure of Jeffrey Kitingan’s STAR from GRS may appear to fragment Sabah politics, but it also democratizes it. For the opposition, it represents a rare opportunity to rebuild trust, champion local empowerment, and present a credible and unified alternative for the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities. In a diverse and politically dynamic state like Sabah, such realignment could reshape not only electoral outcomes but also the future of indigenous representation itself.
