{
  "id": 16822168,
  "title": "Leadership question looms over proposed Warisan-STAR-KDM pact?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/leadership-question-looms-over-proposed-warisan-star-kdm-pact-16822168",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T23:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/28/leadership-question-looms-over-proposed-warisan-star-kdm-pact"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A proposed alliance between Warisan, Jeffrey Kitingan's STAR, and KDM may encounter challenges, according to an analyst. The primary concern is determining which party will lead the coalition. Arvin Tarjari, an analyst, suggested that leadership competition was likely due to the strong leadership positions held by each party. Warisan president Shafie Apdal may have an advantage in this regard, given his broad political experience and Warisan's larger presence in Parliament and the Sabah state assembly. Shafie hinted at a potential pact during Warisan's general assembly, expressing his desire to collaborate with STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan to garner support from Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) voters, particularly those living on the west coast of Sabah. STAR was represented by its deputy president, Lawrence Gimbang, while KDM acting president Priscilla Peter was also in attendance. Priscilla is the daughter of KDM's founder, Peter Anthony, who served time in prison for forgery before being released on parole earlier this year. Seat negotiations would likely prove to be a significant hurdle, as all three parties are vying for the same voter base. STAR and KDM have strong support among Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) voters, but Warisan also maintains a presence in the community, as evidenced by the Penampang parliamentary seat previously held by Shafie's deputy, Darell Leiking. The KDMR community comprises the majority of voters in several key parliamentary constituencies, including Kota Marudu (held by KDM), Keningau (STAR), Tuaran and Penampang (Upko), Ranau (GRS), Tenom (independent), and Pensiangan (Barisan Nasional). However, there could also be competition for Chinese-majority urban seats, especially after Warisan's strong showing in the Sabah state election last year. The grassroots of STAR would likely push for the party to attempt garnering votes in urban areas as well. All parties would need to make a concerted effort to win over their respective supporters, acknowledging their history of competing against one another.",
  "summary": "One analyst says a key issue the alliance must navigate is the distribution of seats in KDMR- and Chinese-majority constituencies.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}