KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s political landscape is heating up again as Datuk Iskandar Malik, chief of the Solidarity Party of Tanah Airku (STAR) Darau division, announced his departure from the party, bringing along the entire divisional leadership and 1,085 members to join the People’s Justice Party (PKR).
The membership handover ceremony was held in a spirited atmosphere and witnessed by Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Chairman of PKR Sabah, and Datuk Peto Galim, Deputy Chairman.
In his speech, Iskandar explained that the decision was not made hastily but was taken after consulting the grassroots and considering the need to advance Sabah’s people-oriented agenda in a more inclusive manner.
“We made this decision with full awareness and sincerity. We see PKR as a platform capable of uniting the people of Sabah regardless of race or religion,” he said after the ceremony.
He added that the mass migration of STAR Darau members was the result of extensive discussions between the leadership and branch-level members who wanted a change from the old political ways, which they felt had strayed from the people’s interests.
“We do not deny the contributions and struggles of STAR, but we believe Sabah’s future should be built with a party that has a clear direction in championing social and economic justice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mustapha Sakmud welcomed the move, describing it as a sign of growing confidence in PKR’s leadership.
“The joining of Iskandar and his team shows that PKR is gaining acceptance at the grassroots level.
“This is not just about numbers, but a sign of renewed political spirit in Sabah,” he said.
Mustapha also stressed that PKR Sabah is now strengthening its party machinery in all divisions ahead of the state election expected to be held soon.
He noted that the presence of experienced leaders like Iskandar would add value to efforts in strengthening the party’s structure at the local level.
It is understood that several other STAR divisions are expected to follow suit soon, signaling that Sabah’s political scene may witness significant shifts ahead of the upcoming state polls.
