Star to remain opposition despite rep becoming assistant minister

Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) has declared that it would remain in the opposition bloc despite one of its two assemblypersons being appointed assistant minister in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government.

Star president Jeffrey Kitingan explained that Bingkor assemblyperson Ishak Ayub's appointment as an assistant minister was Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s decision and not a result of party negotiations.

“Ishak (above) is the elected representative for Bingkor, and we respect his prerogative in accepting the role,” Jeffrey said in a statement today.

Apart from Ishak’s win in the recently concluded Sabah polls, Jeffrey also managed to retain his Tambunan seat for Star.

For the record, Star and Perikatan Nasional had earlier offered to back Hajiji’s new government.

‘Responsible opposition’

Jeffrey said his party would serve as a “responsible opposition”, supporting policies that defend Sabah’s rights and opposing any attempt to undermine the Malaysia Agreement 1963, state autonomy, or the Federal Constitution.

“Star will continue its duty with integrity, discipline and unwavering loyalty to Sabah and its people,” he added.

Jeffrey also argued that Sabah should be governed by Sabah-based parties, free from peninsular-driven political influence.

Earlier today, it was reported that several GRS members and independent lawmakers are miffed with the inclusion of national party leaders in the state cabinet.

This came after Umno’s Jafry Ariffin was appointed Sabah tourism minister, while PKR’s Jamawi Ja’afar was given the state agriculture portfolio.

The disgruntled assemblypersons claimed that the coalition is now “compromised”, arguing that the “Sabah first” message was diluted the moment national figures were placed in key portfolios.

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