KOTA KINABALU: Parties that had broken away from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan to champion state rights independently have made a dramatic U-turn after the state election.
Jeffrey, while congratulating Hajiji, said the party would support GRS and contribute constructively to the development, stability and progress.
“Sabah has spoken through this election, and it deserves a government that works together, particularly on matters of constitutional rights and long-term sovereignty,” he said, reiterating the party’s commitment to securing the state’s 40% revenue entitlement.
Jeffrey added that since revenue negotiations can only occur government-to-government, Sabah needed strong and principled voices involved in the process.
“This struggle has always been at the core of Sabah STAR, and we stand ready to support any sincere and courageous effort to secure what rightfully belongs to Sabah,” he said.
Sabah STAR won two of the 46 state seats it contested.
Ewon, meanwhile, thanked voters and said Upko would continue to fight for state rights and the 40% net revenue claim.
He confirmed that the three assemblymen who won, including himself, would support Hajiji in forming a strong, local coalition.
“We support Hajiji based on the track record of his government,” he said, urging unity among the people in the struggle for Sabah’s rights.
Upko secured three of the 25 seats it contested, winning in Kadamaian, Tamparuli and Moyog.
Sabah STAR, along with Sabah Progressive Party, left GRS on Oct 1, just five days before the dissolution of the state assembly.
Both parties had opposed GRS working with Pakatan, arguing that local parties should lead the state.
Upko exited Pakatan on Nov 10 after the Federal Government decided to appeal parts of the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling on Sabah’s right to a 40% return of federal revenue.
