KOTA KINABALU, Oct. 3 -- Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR Sabah) has declared full backing for its president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan's decision to contest the 17th Sabah state election solo, parting ways with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.

STAR information chief Anuar Ghani said the move came after weighing current political developments, particularly reports that GRS had offered 21 to 23 seats to Pakatan Harapan (PH), which he claimed ran against public sentiment.

"STAR initially suggested that PH only retain its seven incumbent seats under the GRS logo. However, reports said the GRS Supreme Council offered far more, which is seen as contradicting the aspirations of Sabahans," he said in a statement today.

He said...