A political slugfest is brewing in Sabah as Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan and Sabah Umno lock horns, accusing each other of betrayal and dishonesty ahead of the looming state election. 

Sabah Umno Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir slammed Jeffrey for “twisting history,” accusing him of deflecting blame over broken promises during the 2020 state election. 

According to Suhaimi, it was Jeffrey’s own party, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), that had gone against prior agreements by fielding candidates against Barisan Nasional (BN) and its allies.

“Jeffrey should not forget that STAR itself betrayed the pact by contesting in BN-held seats such as Paginatan and Sook, despite having only two seats before the election,” Suhaimi said. 

He also alleged that Perikatan Nasional (PN), which STAR was aligned with, had tacitly endorsed independent candidates to weaken BN.

Jeffrey had earlier accused Sabah Umno of being the real traitor in the 2020 election by reneging on an agreement to contest only 27 seats. 

“At the last minute, Umno and BN went back on their word and ended up contesting 41 seats,” he said.

“Now, Bung (Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin) has the effrontery to talk about choosing allies who keep their promises,” he added.

Jeffrey, who is also STAR president, dismissed Sabah Umno’s attacks as a desperate attempt to undermine the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus coalition, which he said had brought much-needed stability to the state.

As the state gears up for the 17th Sabah election, which must be held by December 6, the escalating row highlights growing fractures among Sabah’s opposition forces.

“The people are with us, and we are ready to face the election as a united coalition,” Jeffrey said, brushing off what he called “cheap potshots” from the opposition. – March 21, 2025