By Lesaya L. Sorudim
KOTA KINABALU: The proposal by Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan to establish a new Sabah-based political coalition, tentatively to be called Gerakan Sabah Baru (GSB), is beginning to draw serious attention among political observers and grassroots supporters.
Modeled after Sarawak’s successful Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the proposed coalition seeks to unite Sabah-based parties such as Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Parti Warisan (Warisan), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM), and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) under one common banner dedicated to Sabah’s interests and autonomy.
Dr. Jeffrey, who currently leads STAR, stressed that the time has come for Sabah leaders to put aside partisan differences and personal ambitions for the sake of unity and state sovereignty.
“Sabah must learn from Sarawak — when local parties stand together, their voice becomes stronger. We must unite to protect our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and to reclaim our rightful status in the federation,” he said.
The envisioned Gerakan Sabah Baru would focus on key shared objectives: defending MA63, asserting control over natural resources and revenues, promoting economic self-reliance, and strengthening Sabahan identity and governance.
By uniting parties that share these aspirations, the coalition could create a powerful homegrown political force, free from the dominance of Peninsular Malaysia-based coalitions such as Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Analysts note that a STAR–Warisan–PKDM–SAPP alliance could redefine the Sabah political landscape, especially among the opposition.
Currently fragmented, Sabah’s opposition bloc has struggled to form a united front capable of challenging the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
However, a cohesive local alliance could transform that dynamic, drawing support from rural and urban voters alike who yearn for a Sabah-first agenda.
The potential formation of Gerakan Sabah Baru could also pose a serious challenge to GRS, particularly if it succeeds in positioning itself as the authentic voice of Sabahans — one that prioritizes autonomy, fairness in development, and equitable resource distribution.
Ultimately, Dr. Jeffrey’s call for Gerakan Sabah Baru reflects a renewed vision of Sabah unity and self-determination.
If realized, it could mark the beginning of a new political era — one where Sabah’s destiny is charted by its own leaders, working together under one united Sabahan alliance, just as Sarawak has done through GPS.
