Star to defend Keningau, Tambunan

Kohoi

KOTA KINABALU: Star will defend the two Keningau parliamentary and Tambunan state seats in future elections to give the voters the right to decide for themselves, said its secretary general, Datuk Senator Guandee Kohoi.

Responding to PBS’ intention to reclaim its so-called “traditional bases” as stated by its president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili at the Tambunan division annual general meeting on Saturday, Kohoi said that Star understands PBS’s fond desire to reverse history, but it would be very unfair to Star to expect it to hand over its strongest Interior seats.

“What is more unkind of PBS is the fact the two seats are now in the strong care of the Star President, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan who is enjoying tremendous support in those constituencies,” Kohoi said. “So whatever was expressed by the PBS president we take as a friendly expression which must be treated as such.”

Kohoi, who is also the federal Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that it must be remembered that Star had won P180 Keningau and Tambunan assembly seats under Star Sabah symbol in the 14th general election in 2018.

“It was not an easy win as we had to work really hard being in the opposition at that time,” he said.

“During the state election in 2020 we won again in N.39 Tambunan after the seat was allocated to Star with the agreement by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.

Contesting under the Perikatan Nasional symbol, Star won very comfortably by more than 6,000-vote majority. It was a veritable victory and not a mere fluke.”

“For the knowledge of those who had not known it, there was a sincere effort to merge Star and PBS recently with the intention for the two to become a single party to be called Star Bersatu,” Kohoi revealed.

“The team from PBS comprised Datuk Ellron Angina, Edward Linggu and myself, while those from PBS were Datuk Jahid Jahim and Datuk Joniston Bongkuai.

“Unfortunately despite several meetings were held, discussions hit a snag because PBS was not very positive and accommodating it its attitude,” Kohoi added.

“It was probably due to the perception that Star was still a small struggling party at that time. But believe it or not, Star is still open for a revival of the discussion for the sake of unity.”

Kohoi assured that Star regards PBS as a close ally and partner in the GRS with whom we will cooperate for GRS victory in future elections.

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