The Sabah chapter of the once-dormant Sarawak-based State Reform Party (Star), a proponent of an opposition coalition of Sabah and Sarawak-based parties to contest in the next general election, was launched in Penampang today.  

Star president Dr Dripin Sakoi and its founder Dr Patau Rubis launched the Sabah chapter at the KDCA Hall near Penampang in the presence of the newly appointed Star Sabah chapter chairperson and United Borneo Front president Jeffrey Kitingan and more than 2,000 STAR supporters in the state.

In his speech, Dripin said Star had been given the autonomy to manage the day-to-day running of the party in the state, including approving members.

He said the appointment of Jeffrey, a younger brother of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Joseph Pairin Kitingan, as chairperson of Star Sabah had opened a new dimension for the party which had been active only in Sarawak.

In welcoming the launch of Star Sabah, Jeffrey said it was high time for the political groups of Sabah and Sarawak to unite and safeguard their rights under Malaysia.

Jeffrey said Star Sabah would form a united front with Usno, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and the Sabah People's Front Party (SPF).

“Star will not work alone, we will work with our local partners in Sabah,” he said.

- Bernama