TAMBUNAN: Over 500 individuals—former members of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Parti Warisan, and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM)—officially switched allegiance to the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) today in the Tambunan division.
The group includes around 300 members from six STAR branches, led by former Campaign Chief Patricia Yusuf.
Another 120 members came from Warisan under the leadership of Muhadi Amin, a founding supporter of the party in the region, with the rest originating from KDM.
The new members formally submitted their applications during a ceremony in Kampung Tondulu on Saturday, handing them over to Dato’ Victor P. Paut, Chief of PGRS Tambunan.
Patricia explained that their departure stemmed from a growing lack of confidence in their former parties’ leadership and direction, as well as dissatisfaction with the performance of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
She added that the active engagement and dedication shown by PGRS leaders in Tambunan played a key role in their decision.
She emphasized the need for leaders who are accountable, empathetic, and present within their communities, particularly when people face hardship.
“In my experience, I’ve seen how both the state leadership and the PGRS team in Tambunan consistently go directly into communities to listen and respond to people’s concerns,” she said.
“This shows they are willing to stand alongside the people not only in stable times but also during challenges. Whenever the community needs support, these leaders are there,” she added.
