KENINGAU: Bingkor Assemblyman Datuk Robert Tawik, who retained the position of Deputy President for the Bumiputera Muslim quota in the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star Sabah), pledged to remain committed alongside party President Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan to champion the rights of Sabahans as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Robert, the incumbent from the previous term, was challenged by Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Annuar Ayub, the previous Vice President for the Bumiputera Muslim quota.
According to Robert, his success in retaining the position is not a source of pride but a platform to work for the party, especially in advocating for MA63.
“I will continue the grassroots programmes, meeting with party members who are the backbone of our strength,” he said.
The Assistant Minister of Public Works said he would work with the top leadership to strengthen the party.
He added that the party’s struggle to demand the rights of Sabahans, as enshrined in MA63 and sought by the people of Sabah through government leaders, is not yet complete.
“This has been the agenda of Star Sabah since its inception, and it was our struggle even when we were in the opposition, and it continues to this day,” he said.
At the same time, Robert appreciated the delegates’ trust in him to continue his responsibilities as one of the party’s three deputy presidents.
He said that he, together with the Deputy President (Non-Muslim Bumiputera) Datuk Ellron Angin and Deputy President (Chinese) Datuk Kenny Chua, will continue to support the President in the party’s struggle, focusing on the interests and rights of the people of Sabah.
At the Tri-Annual Delegates Meeting of Star held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu on 22 June, Robert, who received 188 votes, defeated his challenger Annuar, who garnered 173 votes.
Datuk Abidin Madingkir and Suling Isib won the two Vice President positions for the Non-Muslim Bumiputera quota.
Meanwhile, Apas Nawawie Saking and Lin Harun won the Vice President positions for the Bumiputera Muslim quota, and Kong Soon Choi and Beverly Natalie Koh won the vice president positions for the Chinese quota.
Those elected to the Central Supreme Council (ÀMT) are Evaristus Gungkit, Jovilis Majami, Suzy Lojimit, DS Raplin Samat, Alviana Linus, Datuk Anita Baranting, Fung Len Fui, and Maklin Mansiau.
