KARANAAN: The Karanaan Division of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has unanimously nominated STARSABAH Information Chief, Tuan Mohd. Anuar bin Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghani Gilong, as the party’s sole candidate for the Karanaan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat in the upcoming 17th General Election (PRU17).
The decision was made during a special meeting involving the division leadership, representatives of the District Voting Centres (PDM) as well as the STAR Karanaan Women and Youth wings, held recently.
STAR Karanaan Division Chief, Saudin, said the decision was made after reviewing the potential and experience of the candidate who is believed to be capable of voicing the people’s concerns at the state level.
“We stand firmly behind this decision. Tuan Anuar is not only a true son of Karanaan who understands the pulse of the community, but also has a strong professional background.
All our machinery is now ready to be mobilised at any time,” he said after the meeting.
Saudin also stressed that STAR Karanaan remains committed to supporting the leadership of STARSABAH President, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan, who has boldly steered the party independently based on the spirit of “Sabah For Sabahans” and “Justice For Sabah.”
“Dr. Jeffrey’s leadership motivates us in Karanaan to continue fighting for justice and development for the people of Sabah,” he added.
Meanwhile, STAR Karanaan Women’s Chief, Puan Azwa Nabihan Amit, assured that the women’s wing will roll out grassroots-level campaigning.
“STAR Karanaan Women will go to the ground, knocking on doors to ensure the party’s struggle and the candidate’s message reaches every household,” she said.
For STAR Karanaan Youth Chief, Royston Justin, Anuar’s candidacy is expected to strengthen youth support for the party.
“He is an experienced figure and close to the community—important to ensure youth voices are heard,” he said.
*Who is Anuar Ghani?*
Mohd. Anuar, who is currently STARSABAH Information Chief, is a Karanaan native with over 30 years of experience in law, administration and community development.
He served as a qualified lawyer from 1985 to 2017, handling various major cases including constitutional, election, civil, industrial disputes, land, and personal injury matters at all court levels including the Federal Court. Some of his cases have been reported in law journals.
He also served as the Political Secretary to Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister I cum Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI), Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan—giving him extensive insight into agricultural challenges and government administration in Sabah.
Anuar is active in many community initiatives, including serving as Coordinator of the Ranau Environment, Agriculture & Tourism Committee (REACT), with the slogan: “REACT is for Our Homeland.”
REACT presented 25 development matters for Ranau during the Ranau Masterplan Meeting with the Institute for Development Studies (IDS).
Together with Athmat Hasan and Martin Tommy, he drafted the establishment of the Sabah Upland Rice Board (LPBS) and served as Chair of its Upland Rice Committee.
He also contributed to the Sabah Durian Policy, flood mitigation and paddy irrigation initiatives, as well as the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) for marine environmental conservation.
In sports and tourism, Anuar is the founder of the Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive Club, which started the Borneo Safari 4×4 event in 1991 until today.
He is also founder and director of North Borneo Explorer Sdn. Bhd. (NBE), which successfully organized the Trans Borneo Expedition—an international cross-border expedition across the island of Borneo in 1996, 1997, 2014, and parts of the route in 2017 and 2019—promoting regional tourism and unity among Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan.
His political motto, “What can I help with?”, reflects his commitment to serve with heart and action.
He is among those who proposed studies into treatment for Thalassemia, due to the high number of patients among the KDMR community in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Anuar also suggested that Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) conduct health and environmental research on the effects of Mamut Mine waste, as its impact on the community remains uncertain.
UMS has since conducted research and prepared a Health and Environmental Report at the request of the late Juliana Situn and Anuar Ghani.
*Focus and Priorities*
Among his priorities if given the mandate include:
• Introducing and expanding the use of modern technologies such as AI, IoT and Blockchain in state development;
• Strengthening sustainable agriculture and community tourism in Karanaan and Ranau;
• Advocating for the construction of the Ranau–Tamparuli road, a new district clinic and health clinic;
• Ensuring environmental conservation with balanced development in Sabah’s interior;
• Being a bold and principled voice in the Sabah State Assembly.
He also drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PBS and STAR to unite the KDMR community, as previously initiated by his father in 1964 through the merger of UNKO and Pasok Momogun.
“The failure of PBS-STAR unity is a major disappointment for me,” Anuar said firmly.
Saudin added that the division hopes Anuar Ghani’s nomination will receive consideration and blessing from the Party President.
“We have confidence in his leadership and believe this nomination will bring a positive impact to STAR’s performance in the upcoming PRU17,” he said.
The meeting ended with spirited chants of “Sabah For Sabahans” and “Justice For Sabah” — symbolising the unity and struggle of the people under the banner of STARSABAH.
