The five broke ranks with Kitingan, who led STAR out of GRS last week, by attending Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor’s announcement of the state assembly’s dissolution today.

Kitingan said their decision had been anticipated, and stressed that he stood firm in defending the rights of Sabahans.

“I respect the decision of the five STAR leaders who have chosen to remain with GRS. Each person must act according to (their) conscience. I have seen this before and I am not surprised,” he said in a statement.

“In my life, I have often walked alone. There is nothing new about this. What matters is not how many walk beside me, but whether the path is right and that I stay on that path.

“Some may take the easier road, but I will continue on the one that leads to justice for Sabah.

“Those who chose another direction remain my friends and I wish them well. My duty, however, is clear. The struggle continues, and in the end, the people will decide.”

Earlier today, STAR deputy president Ellron Alfred Angin and three party vice-presidents – Abidin Madingkir, Annuar Ayub and Flovia Ng – joined Hajiji as he announced the state assembly’s dissolution, paving the way for the 17th state election.

Ellron later confirmed that his Muslim Bumiputera counterpart in the party, Robert Tawik, was also sticking with GRS in the state polls.

Tawik did not attend today’s press conference with Hajiji as he is said to be unwell.

All five STAR leaders are reportedly set to apply to become direct GRS members so that they can run for election on the coalition’s ticket.

Asked about the presence of the four STAR assemblymen, Hajiji said they had told him they would support GRS in the state polls.

Kitingan had led STAR out of GRS after insisting that the ruling state coalition should not proceed with its electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan, a move he said went against the wishes of grassroots members who wanted locally led representation.