STAR to reorganise for next GE

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KOTA KINABALU: The dismal performance of the State Reform Party (STAR) Sabah in the recently concluded 13th general election (GE13) has necessitated the party to look inward to re-organise and strengthen itself in preparation for the country’s 14th general election.

Its chairman, Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, said the decision was made at a meeting of the central committees and heads of divisions from across the State which was held here yesterday.

He said the meeting was called in response to GE13 post-mortem recommendations following the unexpected election results.

“Despite your hard work and enthusiasm, we failed to deliver in this election because our expectations were too high within such a short period of just 15 months, but considering the obstacles and the huge odds, we can stand proud of our efforts,” Jeffrey told the meeting.

“Don’t forget that we have just planted the seeds of our struggle in a hostile and competitive environment where other political trees have already grown and taken roots. We need to be patient and committed to nurture these seeds so that one day our political struggle will outgrow the others and bear fruits for our people,” he elaborated.

During the May 5 general election, STAR Sabah contested in 49 state and 21 parliamentary seats but only won one state seat. The seat was delivered by Jeffrey, who won in Bingkor, but failed in his second bid to wrest the Keningau parliamentary seat from his older brother Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is the president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), one of the Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties in the State.

Most of STAR candidates and members were disappointed with the results of GE13. Nevertheless, they remain highly charged and spirited, and committed to the struggle for Sabah rights and autonomy.

Nonetheless, the party still claims credit for the achievements made by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) which won 11 state seats and three parliamentary seats.

Jeffrey said the success of the other opposition parties in the recent election can be attributed in part to the efforts of STAR in highlighting the history, rights and treatment of Sabah.

“The party and UBF (United Borneo Front), in educating and enlightening the electorates of Sabah on their rights and autonomy, have been so successful that Sabahans and even leaders of Sabah BN components are openly discussing and demanding for the return of Sabah’s rights and autonomy compared to previously when everything was hushed up and covered up,” he added.

The STAR chairman also told the meeting to learn from the post-mortem of the election and reminded them to be strong and never to give up so easily.

“Remember STAR still did not lose … we just did not win enough. But STAR now has a seat in the assembly. Let this be our first step towards more future victories,” said Jeffrey.

After dissolving the current committee, Jeffrey was given the full mandate to reorganize and re-appoint leaders to the party before the party elections.