Kota Kinabalu: "STAR Sabah will be re-organized and strengthened to better prepare for GE-14” said its Sabah Chief Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, at a meeting with members of the Central Committee and Heads of Divisions at a leading Hotel here in Kota Kinabalu today.
The meeting was called in response to GE-13 post mortem recommendations following the unexpected election results.
“Despite your hard work and enthusiasm we failed to deliver in this election because our expectations were too high within such a short period of just 15 months but considering the obstacles and huge odds, we can stand proud of our efforts” he told the meeting.
“Don’t forget that we have just planted the seeds of our struggle in a hostile and competitive environment where other political trees have already grown and taken roots. We need to be patient and committed to nurture these seeds so that one day our political struggle will outgrow the others and bear fruits for our people” he elaborated.
It is understood that most candidates and members were disappointed with the results of GE13 but remains highly charged and spirited and committed to the struggle for Sabah rights and autonomy.
“The success of the other opposition parties in the recent elections can be attributed in part to the efforts of STAR in highlighting the history, rights and treatment of Sabah. The Party and UBF in educating and enlightening the electorate of Sabah rights and autonomy have been successful so much so that Sabahans and even leaders of Sabah BN components are openly discussing and demanding for the return of Sabah’s rights and autonomy compared to everything being hushed up and covered up previously” he added.
The STAR Chairman told the meeting to learn from the post mortem of the election and reminded them to be strong and never to give up so easily.
He said “remember STAR still did not lose…we just did not win enough. But STAR now has a seat in the Assembly. Let this be our first step towards more future victories.
After dissolving the current AMT, Dr Jeffrey was given the full mandate to reorganize and re-appoint leaders to the Party pending party elections.
Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan
Chairman STAR Sabah
12 June 2013
