By Trevor Maringking
Secretary-General Parti ANAK NEGERI
TUARAN: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI) fully supports the bold and principled decision of STAR and SAPP to withdraw from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
This is not merely a political move but a defining moment — one that reflects the rising sentiment that Sabah’s destiny must be determined by Sabahans themselves, free from the shifting interests of Malayan-based coalitions.
ANAK NEGERI take note of critics who question STAR’s credibility, past alliances, and achievements in government. These concerns are valid and should be answered with honesty.
Yet, to dismiss STAR and SAPP departure from GRS as instability is to miss the bigger picture: for too long, Sabah’s politics have been dictated by federal intervention and external dominance.
This is a real chance in years to reset the course and unite under a truly Sabah for Sabahan local-based coalition to form the next government that speaks with one voice, much like Sarawak.
We therefore call upon all local-based parties — regardless of past differences — to unite under the new local-based front headed by Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan.
By doing so, we can ensure straight fights in every constituency, prevent vote splitting, and present Sabahans with a genuine alternative to federal-controlled coalitions or covert arrangements designed to return Sabah under outside influence.
This is no ordinary election. It will be the test of our sincerity and courage. Do we truly believe in “Sabah for Sabahans,” or will we once again surrender our political direction to interests across the sea?
A united local-based coalition must be guided by four clear commitments:
1. Utilise state resources solely for the people of Sabah, ensuring that no community is left behind;
2. Empower Sabah’s young generation, our greatest asset and the key to unlocking Sabah’s future;
3. Continue the struggle for Sabah’s rights under MA63 until justice and fairness are achieved; and
4. Uphold integrity, transparency, and good governance in all aspects of public administration.
This election is about courage — the courage to resist powerful external pressures, the courage to put Sabah first, and the courage to stay true to the belief that Sabah’s future must rest in the hands of Sabahans.
ANAK NEGERI therefore views STAR and SAPP’s exit from GRS as a moment of reckoning and renewal. We stand ready to work with STAR, SAPP, and all like-minded local-based parties who share the same vision — Justice for Sabah, Unity for Sabahans, and Dignity for future generations.
What matters now is sincerity, unity, and delivery. If these are demonstrated, Sabahans will vote and rally strongly behind a government led by this ‘Sabah for Sabahan’ coalition that is free from external shadows and committed solely to the interests of Sabah.
