KOTA KINABALU: Sabah STAR is preparing to contest the Chinese seats amidst its coalition partner Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) discussion of an electoral pact in the upcoming state elections.
Its deputy president Datuk Kenny Chua said voters in Sabah, particularly in urban and Chinese-majority areas, were increasingly placing their trust in local parties.
'The winds have changed. Sabahans, including the Chinese community, are increasingly looking to local parties that can genuinely represent their voices and aspirations," he said.
His remarks were a response to Sabah DAP Deputy Chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin’s recent claim that the party is confident of winning eight to 10 seats, including defending its six as well as reclaiming Sri Tanjong and Elopura which it lost to jumpers.
Chua mentioned that STAR was planning to compete in additional constituencies, focusing on those with significant Chinese voter support.
"It’s a direct response to what we believe is the people’s call for more grounded, Sabah-based leadership. Local parties like STAR are fully capable of championing the interests of all Sabahans, Chinese included," he said.
Chua said that local-based parties were increasingly seen as more equipped to address on-the-ground concerns, as they are not tied to Peninsular-based political interests and agendas.
