KOTA KINABALU: Popular Sarawak political influencer Daniel Jani is in Sabah ahead of the Nov 29 polls, positioning his visit as a show of solidarity with Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Star) and its president, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, whose decades-long campaign for Sabah rights continues to shape political discourse in the region.
Daniel, 49, said his presence reflects the growing spirit of regional cooperation between East Malaysian political voices and the urgency to amplify Star’s long-standing push for autonomy, equitable development and stronger constitutional safeguards for Sabah within the Federation.
“Our concerns over autonomy, development equity and fair representation are interconnected. What Star has championed under Dr Jeffrey for decades still resonates deeply today, not just in Sabah but across Borneo,” he said.
Star and other pro-autonomy circles view the coming polls as a defining moment for Sabah, one in which the region seeks to reclaim greater political power and revisit long-standing grievances about federal dominance since the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
Many argue that the political landscape today presents Sabah with a rare opportunity to assert stronger rights within the federation.
Daniel, known for his outspoken commentary on East Malaysian and national political issues, has built a large digital following, with his videos drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers.
He stressed that Sabahans must be vigilant in defending their own political direction and turn this into vote on polling day.
“My message is simple: Sabahan voters must never allow outsiders to control their affairs. The voices of Sabahans, and those who truly understand the state’s aspirations, must lead the way,” he said.
Before becoming a political influencer, Daniel served as Sarawak PKR Information Chief and later as the party’s vice-chairman in Sarawak. His shift into independent advocacy has been welcomed by East Malaysians who see him as part of a growing movement pushing for stronger regional identity and empowerment.
Star leaders said Daniel’s presence strengthens the sense of cross-border solidarity between Sabah and Sarawak, highlighting a shared sentiment that the Bornean regions must collaborate more closely to push for their rights within the federation.
“For decades, Dr Jeffrey has carried this struggle with consistency and conviction,” Star candidate for Inanam Datuk Kenny Chua said.
“Daniel’s visit reinforces that the fight for Sabah’s rights is not isolated—it is shared across borders and generations.”
Analysts note that with the Nov 29 polls approaching, Star is working to reinvigorate its longstanding narrative on autonomy, an agenda that has defined Dr Jeffrey political life.
Caption: Daniel (second right) with Star candidates Chua (far right), Bernard Jojigin (Kapayan-far left) and Joe Suleiman (Moyog).
