‘We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” — Benjamin Franklin (Emphasizing that a strong alliance is essential to survive a common threat.) He was one of the most influential figures in early American history. Although he never served as U.S. president, he made major contributions to science, politics, diplomacy, literature, and civic life.
I read with much interest the recent Free Malaysia Today report titled “Warisan courting Star with eye on KDM support, says analyst.” If indeed such a political understanding is taking shape, many Sabahans are likely to take it in a positive manner.
A strong alliance between Parti Warisan and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) has the potential to become one of the most formidable local political combinations Sabah has seen in recent years.
More importantly, it would represent something many Sabahans have long wanted – a genuinely Sabah-centric political force led by leaders whose political struggles have consistently revolved around the interests, rights and future of Sabah.
The presidents of the two parties, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, are seasoned political veterans with long and tested records. Both have their critics and detractors, as all major political figures do, but few would deny that they have spent decades championing Sabah causes and speaking up for Sabah rights.
Shafie, now approaching 70, remains one of Sabah’s most recognisable political figures. He served as Sabah chief minister and was widely credited for attempting to restore confidence in governance after years of political instability and allegations of poor administration under previous governments. During his tenure, Warisan projected itself as a multiracial Sabah-based party capable of bridging divides between Muslims and non-Muslims, natives and non-natives, urban and rural voters.
One of Shafie’s strongest political qualities has always been his ability to connect with ordinary Sabahans. His grassroots appeal remains significant, particularly on the east coast and among rural communities. Even his opponents admit that he possesses strong political instincts and understands Sabah’s complex social fabric better than many leaders from Kuala Lumpur.
Shafie’s political struggle has consistently revolved around greater autonomy for Sabah, fairer development allocations, stronger state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the need for Sabahans to determine their own political future. He has also repeatedly spoken against excessive federal interference in Sabah affairs.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Kitingan has for decades been one of the loudest and most persistent voices defending Sabah rights, particularly among the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community.
Jeffrey’s political journey has not been easy. He endured detention under the Internal Security Act during the tumultuous political period of the 1990s, yet he never abandoned his advocacy for Sabah autonomy and state rights.
For many Sabahans, especially within the KDM heartland, Jeffrey represents consistency. Long before MA63 became fashionable political vocabulary in Malaysia, Jeffrey was already speaking about it passionately and relentlessly. He championed issues involving Sabah’s oil rights, illegal immigration, unequal development, and what many Sabahans saw as the gradual erosion of state autonomy.
Jeffrey also played a major role in ensuring that KDM political voices remained relevant in Sabah politics during periods when local-based parties appeared weakened. Even his critics acknowledge that he never compromised easily when it came to Sabah’s position within the federation.
If these two veteran leaders are able to work together sincerely and strategically, the political implications could be significant.
Warisan’s greatest strength lies in its broad multiracial appeal and strong presence in Muslim-majority and east coast constituencies.
Star, on the other hand, carries influence within KDM-majority areas, especially in the interior. Together, they could potentially create a far more balanced and inclusive Sabah-based political force capable of reaching communities across geographical and ethnic lines.
Such a combination would also answer a longstanding Sabah sentiment – the desire for stronger local parties capable of standing independently without being overly dependent on Peninsular-based political parties.
Many Sabahans are increasingly weary of endless political manoeuvring involving national coalitions that often treat Sabah merely as a fixed deposit during elections. A stronger Warisan-Star understanding could revive hopes for a more united local political movement focused primarily on Sabah’s development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, poverty eradication and state rights.
Warisan’s performance in the last Sabah state election also demonstrated that the party remains politically relevant. One particularly notable achievement was its success in winning urban Chinese-majority seats, effectively wiping out the DAP presence in the Sabah legislative assembly. That was no small feat and reflected Warisan’s ability to expand beyond its traditional support base.
At the same time, Star’s continued relevance among KDM voters makes it an important political partner for any coalition hoping to govern Sabah effectively.
Of course, there remains one unavoidable reality – time is not exactly on the side of both leaders.
Jeffrey Kitingan is already in his late 70s while Shafie is nearing 70. Politics is increasingly becoming a younger person’s game, and Sabah’s future cannot depend indefinitely on veteran personalities alone.
If Warisan and Star truly wish to become a long-term force for Sabah, they must quickly groom younger, disciplined and capable leaders who can continue their struggle with maturity and integrity. Leadership succession will be critical.
The younger generation of Sabahans today is more educated, more connected and far more demanding. They want competent governance, economic opportunities, transparency and political stability – not endless political drama.
Still, despite concerns over age and succession, a Warisan-Star partnership would undoubtedly excite many Sabahans because it brings together two leaders long associated with Sabah nationalism and local aspirations.
If managed properly, such a combination could become a formidable political team capable of reshaping Sabah politics once again.
And perhaps more importantly, it may finally give Sabahans renewed hope that Sabah’s future can truly be determined by Sabahans themselves.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
