Kota Kinabalu: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) Deputy President Datuk Kenny Chua said voters in Sabah, particularly in urban and Chinese-majority areas, are increasingly placing their trust in local parties that are better tuned to the State’s unique political and social fabric.
“The winds have changed. Sabahans, including the Chinese community, are increasingly looking to local parties that can genuinely represent their voices and aspirations,” he said.
His remarks come in response to Sabah DAP Deputy Chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin’s recent claim that the party is confident of winning eight to 10 seats, including the existing six, and reclaiming Sri Tanjong and Elopura.
Chua cautioned against relying too heavily on past voting trends, stressing that the political landscape has evolved.
“Voter sentiment today is driven by real engagement, accountability and local understanding,” he said.
He added that Star is not only preparing to contest in more constituencies but also specifically targeting several with strong Chinese voter bases — a reflection of growing grassroots support across communities.
“This is not just a strategic move. It’s a direct response to what we believe is the people’s call for more grounded, Sabah-based leadership. Local parties like Star are fully capable of championing the interests of all Sabahans — Chinese included,” he said.
Chua noted that local-based parties are increasingly seen as more equipped to address on-the-ground concerns, as they are not tied to peninsula-based political interests and agendas.
As Sabah heads into what is expected to be a highly competitive election, the contest will likely spotlight the rising role of State-rooted parties that promise inclusive and responsive leadership grounded in Sabah’s diverse reality.
