Kitingan is spearheading the move to form a local political alliance called Gerakan Bersatu Sabah (GBS).
Political analyst Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said Kitingan, president of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), may be known as a figure who fights for Sabah’s rights, but his record of party-hopping and financial integrity issues were major stumbling blocks.
His background could deter other parties from taking part in the new alliance, Syahruddin said.
Kitingan was a member of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Akar, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah , Umno for a brief period, and PKR before establishing STAR in 2016.
“His decision to lead STAR out of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and form a new alliance is yet another complex episode in Sabah’s political landscape.
“It may be a strategy aimed at keeping STAR relevant, but at the same time, it reflects the challenges of achieving stable political unity,” Syahruddin told FMT.
Kitingan said he was forming GBS to team up with like-minded local parties committed to forming a state government with the “Sabah for Sabahans” vision.
He also claimed he has held talks with leaders of several local parties, including Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), a claim dismissed by its deputy president Wetrom Bahanda.
The formation of GBS adds another player to an already crowded field in the state election, with GRS, Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Warisan, KDM, Perikatan Nasional, and Parti Gemilang Anak Sabah all in contention.
GRS is working with PH for the polls, though PH has also reached a pact with BN.
Political analyst Bilcher Bala, also of UMS, said the division among local parties did not stem from differences in beliefs but out of competition to dominate the Sabah political arena.
“Although each party claims to want to strengthen Sabah’s political voice, the reality is that this goal is often interpreted according to their respective interests.
“In the case of STAR and the Sabah Progressive Party (which also left GRS early this month), it’s political ego and a desire to be the hero,” he said.
Sabahans go to the polls on Nov 29 to choose 73 members of the 17th state assembly. Nomination day falls on Nov 15, while early voting will take place on Nov 25.