Kitingan's threat to quit GRS driven by fear, not principle - Warisan

Summary

• Warisan veep says Kitingan’s latest move reflected his waning support among the indigenous KDMR community.

• Siambun takes aim at Kitingan’s “Justice for Sabah” crusade, pointing out it emerged conveniently just before the state polls.

Sabah’s opposition party Warisan has dismissed Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president Jeffrey Kitingan’s ultimatum to leave Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), saying his warning was less about principle and more about political fear.

This came following Kitingan’s threats to pull out of GRS today if the ruling coalition conceded more state seats to its federal partner Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming Sabah election.

The deputy chief minister has also launched a new movement, Justice for Sabah, in a bid to rally support for going solo.

Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun said Kitingan’s outburst was a cover for dwindling Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) support.

“This latest outburst is not a demonstration of courage but of fear. Kitingan knows he is losing KDM support to Warisan, and he is now trying to cover up his weakness by pretending it is about defending Sabah’s rights,” Siambun said in a statement.

‘Where was Justice for Sabah before?’

He questioned Kitingan’s timing, pointing out that the Star leader had served comfortably alongside Umno and Harapan figures in government since 2020.

“Through all those years, where was the ‘Justice for Sabah’ that Kitingan now suddenly demands?

“Why has it only become his slogan on the eve of election?” Siambun said.

Warisan argued that Kitingan had multiple chances to quit both GRS and the Madani government over issues such as Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement and poor federal allocations, but chose to remain in power.

“If he was truly a man of principles, he would have resigned long ago. Instead, he talks of defending Sabah while clinging to his post. Principles are proven by action and not by ultimatums,” Siambun added.

He said the ultimatum underlined Warisan’s view that GRS was “fractured, unstable and tied to outside forces”.

“The choice for Sabahans is clear. They can choose instability and betrayal under GRS or certainty and unity with Warisan,” Siambun added.

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