GRS confirms STAR and SAPP’s membership has ended

GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah (GRS) today confirmed that the membership of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has automatically ended.

This comes after both parties opted to contest the state election under their own party symbols during last night's GRS presidential council meeting.

The ruling coalition said the decision was formalised at its presidential council meeting on Wednesday night, chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

The nearly two-hour session focused on final preparations for the 17th Sabah election, including seat-sharing talks with federal ally Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“This comes after both parties decided to contest under their own party logos in the 17th Sabah election,” GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said in a statement today.

He stressed that the decision was clear-cut.

“Any component party choosing to contest under its own party symbol will be considered as having left GRS.

“Therefore, candidates from such parties no longer represent GRS in the coming election,” Masidi said.

Hajiji, who also leads Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, reminded members that the coalition must respect the cooperation agreement forged with PH. He underscored that unity remained GRS’s central principle.

During the meeting Hajiji has noted GRS must move forward as one entity, with all GRS candidates contesting under the same symbol, the GRS logo, in the PRN-17 under the principle of unity.

The departure of STAR and SAPP effectively frees them from the PH-GRS seat quota arrangement, raising the likelihood of direct clashes with PH in several constituencies.

Other component parties, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), have reaffirmed their commitment to stay in GRS and contest under its banner.

Masidi described the council’s talks as “frank but cordial”, adding that all leaders present had accepted the decision by consensus.

“All leaders present accepted the decision made through consensus and celebrated differences of opinion in the spirit of healthy democracy,” he said. - October 2, 2025