STAR likely last resort to save Sabah

By MOHD KHAIRY ABDULLAH

Datuk Jeffrey Kitingan  receiving application forms to join STAR from 400 local voters.

 TENOM: After silencing attackers who questioned the legality of State Reform Party (STAR) Sabah Chapter, its chairman, Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitinganhad come out here today (Friday) with a lot of spirit to give confidence to party supporters.

 During the launching and officiation of a new STAR branch for Kg. Jawa Sumbiling in Melalap, he reminded the people that STAR is most likely the last resort that the people have to save Sabah from continuing to lose political power.

“Believe me, there will be no more opportunity for reform after this. If BN comes back to power after the next elections, the people of Sabah will lose their rights for reform,” he said.

“We are deeply concerned that one day soon we can become helpless peoples suitable only to be pushed around for the interests of certain groups. Believe me, it is a very frightening prospect for us.”     

He said the people of Sabah will lose power for self-determination, and our future generations will become the victims.

The event held at the house of Adiris Pandasian,  saw Adirishading over application forms to join STAR from 400 voters who were mostly ex-members of BN component parties.

Saying that it was another proof that STAR is getting rousing support from people all over Sabah, Jeffrey also reminded the people that Sabah is in a position in which it has lost its direction under the rule of the BN, while they are being hoodwinked with pro mises that are never kept.

“What they promise are all on paper only,” he stressed.

 “And this we can prove by the cold attitude of the BN towards the problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah. We in STAR call these people not PTI (PendatangTanpa Izin), but PATAI (Pendatang Tapi Ada IC),” to the loud laughter from the audience.  

He reminded them that the number of illegals in Sabah has already exceeded the number of the native population, and that the illegals are being given citizenship through the back door while being exploited as instruments for political survival by certain leaders.

 “This revelation is no longer a secret but has now become general knowledge to everyone in Sabah, including among the villagers.”

 He said he is frustrated that even after years of voicing out this problem and fighting for the rights of Sabahans for more than 20 years, until he was jailed under the ISA, his appeals and revelations had always been ignored by the Federal Government.

He also regretted that many leaders who before this were very loud in voicing out their concern over the issue have now become quiet after joining the BN where they have become mere stooges.

  “I had gone through much hardship in this struggle,” he told the people.

 “And Sabahans have lost so much, so I hope you will know what to do during the next general elections.”

He called on the people and leaders of Sabah to unite and to set aside all forms of fear for the sake of upholding the truth.

 In attendance at the event were also SAPP’s Melalap Division Chief,  Jimmy Jawata and founding Supreme Council Member of USNO Club,  Leong Chau Cu who gave the indication that STAR will be facing the 13th general election with a collaboration of local parties.

Present were also many former members of PBS and UmnoTenom division who openly joined in the STAR’s battle cry of “Inikalilah” (This time it will happen!).

Dr Jeffrey (middle) hold hands with  Leong Chau Cu (third, left),   Jimmy Jawata (second, right), Dr. Nicholas Guntobon (right), Chief co-ordinator of STAR Tenom, En. Asmin @ AsroyAbdullah and Melvin Jaikol.