KUALA LUMPUR – Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku’s divisional chief for Pantai Dalit, Francis Fahir, has been confirmed as the party’s candidate for the upcoming election in the Pantai Dalit constituency in Sabah, amid political turbulence in the state.
“The party’s efforts for the betterment of the people have never waned,” he said today, expressing confidence that the turbulence has only strengthened the party, as quoted by local media.
Fahir, speaking on the departure of five former YBs from the party, emphasised that STAR President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffery Kitingan remains unshaken.
“STAR is never short of capable leaders to step up, to contest against those who chose to leave Dr Jeffery,” Fahir added.
Former Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Kalakau Untol confirmed that Francis will be STAR’s candidate for the Pantai Dalit constituency.
“He is a local. STAR is confident of victory,” Kalakau, a former Federal Deputy Minister, said.
A retired Senior Assistant Director of the Sabah Broadcasting Department, Francis is well-versed in Sabah politics, having been a prominent figure in the media as a broadcast and telecast journalist.
Fahir’s expertise in local politics is well established, having served as an anchor and commentator during past state elections.
“Francis should have entered politics long ago. But he chose to continue his work until his mandatory retirement,” Kalakau said.
When asked about his decision to enter the political arena, Francis said, “My main objective is to realise the agenda of justice for Sabah and also champion the idea of ‘Sabah for Sabahans.’”
He expressed agreement with Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s statement that the Federal Government must honour the Malaysia Agreement of 1963.
Francis also voiced his support for the views of former PKR leader Daniel Jani of Sarawak, who suggested that it is time for Sabah to have a new state government comprising only Sabah-based parties.
“That is the aspiration of the people of Sabah,” Francis concluded. – October 14, 2025