STAR also a registered coalition entity — Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) while being a political party, is also legally registered as a coalition entity.
Its president, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, explained in a statement here that the opposition block in Sabah is no longer in any need to seek a registered coalition entity as they can all unite under the United Sabah Alliance (USA)/ STAR.
“So it’s not correct to harp on the misguided belief that the USA is not a legal entity and therefore has no platform to contest as a coalition like the Barisan Nasional,” said Jeffrey.
“I believe that after a discussion with leaders of the USA, we will be able to agree on utilizing this legal platform of STAR as a coalition entity if the need arises before the 14th general election.
“All the coalition partners can use their respective party symbols but with the clear message that they are coalesced under STAR.
“Of course the ideal arrangement is for USA to be the registered coalition entity and we are working towards realizing this arrangement.
“However, it should be noted that we already have a legal platform for this purpose if the urgent need arises,” he said.
Jeffrey, who is also Bingkor assemblyman, added that STAR accommodates not only political parties to coalesce under it but registered NGOs as well.
“I would like to call upon all NGOs supporting the struggle of the USA for the rights and autonomy of Sabah in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 to come forward and declare their support and to become members,” he said.
“An open and widespread show of support among parties and NGOs towards this cause would send a strong message to Barisan Nasional of our desire for change.
“Let us not fall into the trap of having too many coalitions on top of having so many opposition parties already,” he said.
“We will only end up competing with each other and breaking each other’s support.”
Jeffrey made the call in light of the calls for the formation of political coalitions and socalled ‘grand alliances’ by several opposition leaders in Sabah.