KOTA KINABALU (Oct 2): Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) have exited the ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ahead of the state election.

The move follows both parties’ insistence on contesting under their own logos, potentially putting them in direct competition with GRS’ federal ally, Pakatan Harapan (PH).

In a statement on Thursday, GRS secretary general Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said the coalition’s supreme council met on Oct 1 for nearly two hours, during which it reaffirmed its pact with PH.

STAR president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and SAPP president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee maintained that their parties would contest under their own symbols in the 17th Sabah state election (PRN-17).

“STAR and SAPP said their decision was final, as they did not want to be bound by the seat distribution agreed between GRS and PH,” Masidi said.

He added that GRS remained firm that the coalition must move as a united front, with all candidates contesting under the GRS logo.

Masidi noted that the meeting was conducted in a cordial and open manner, with all parties respecting each other’s positions.

“GRS will continue to strengthen its preparations and strategies for PRN-17, with full commitment to the stability and well-being of Sabah,” he said.

Despite leaving the coalition, Kitingan remains Sabah’s deputy chief minister. However, it’s unclear if this will change.

GRS, led by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), comprises Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Media reports suggest GRS is finalising a seat-sharing arrangement with PH, potentially conceding one-third of its current constituencies.

The Sabah State Assembly’s five-year term ends on Nov 11, leading to the upcoming state election. GRS formed the state government in 2020, having won 38 out of 73 seats.