Gapari Bin Katingan @ Geoffrey Kitingan

He has led initiatives like:

• Redeveloping Tambunan grazing land into large-scale coconut plantations in partnership with MKIC to create jobs and boost local income

• Doubling padi production through improved irrigation and new varieties in Tambunan

• Coordinating rice and food crop allocation on GLC land such as Sawit Kinabalu to increase Sabah’s autonomy in rice supply

• Establishing modern agricultural practices via Blue Economy and environmental sustainability programs, including ocean-energy and mariculture strategies

• Served as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture from March–Sept 2020 but resigned to focus on Tambunan leadership role

• Founder and President of STAR Sabah (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku) since 2016; instrumental in building GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah), a coalition centered on Sabah-first governance and MA63 rights

• As part of GRS, actively promotes Sabah autonomy and integration of local development agendas into federal and state policy frameworks

• Emphasizes modular agriculture, regional self-sufficiency, and technology-led development in Sabah—particularly for youth empowerment and rural income generation

• Vocal on resource allocation: argued for higher agriculture development budgets to support poverty reduction in rural and fishing communities

• Advocated for state-level control over rice imports to reflect local needs and challenge federal monopolies over essential food imports

• He’s gained a controversial reputation for frequent party switching, which critics characterize as opportunistic, dubbing him a “katak” (frog) in Malaysian politics—though he defends this as seeking proper platforms for Sabah rights 

• MP for Keningau (since May 2018)
• Sabah State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Tambunan (N39) since May 2018—and previously for Bingkor (1994–2004; 2013–2018)
• Deputy Minister of Housing & Local Government (1994–1995)
• Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture (March–Sept 2020) under Perikatan Nasional government; resigned to focus on state role

• Deputy Chief Minister II, Sabah (May 2018–Jan 2023), later elevated to Deputy Chief Minister I in Jan 2023

• Sabah State Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries since Sept 2020—a portfolio he has held through cabinet reshuffles

• Founded Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) in 2016 and led it into the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, holding influence in state politics as DCM and agriculture minister

• Chaired the Special Committee on Undocumented Foreign Workers in Sabah (appointed Feb 2022), coordinating law enforcement, industry, and community stakeholders

• Elected Deputy President of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) for 2025–2028, affirming his cultural leadership within Sabah’s indigenous community

• Also received traditional honorary title Huguan Siou Lundu Mirongod in 2015—the second-highest honor in Kadazan‑Dusun culture

“Jeffey denies mining scandal allegations, vows legal action”
Jeffrey strongly refuted claims linking him to RM1.78 million in a mining scandal, calling the allegations politically motivated efforts to destabilize the government.
https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/06/29/jeffrey-denies-mining-scandal-allegations-vows-legal-action/

“Jeffrey Kitingan denies graft claims, calls it a political conspiracy”
He dismissed corruption accusations as a politically orchestrated conspiracy and pledged to lodge a police report.
https://newswav.com/article/jeffrey-kitingan-denies-graft-claims-calls-it-a-political-conspiracy-A2507_3m39jb

“Corruption allegation a ploy to destabilise state govt, says Kitingan”
Described the allegations against STAR (his party) as a calculated political conspiracy aimed at undermining the state government.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/01/corruption-allegation-a-ploy-to-destabilise-state-govt-says-kitingan

“Sabah DCM I denies RM1.78m mining scandal claim, calls it political smear”
Rejected the RM1.78 million mining-related allegations, affirming they were groundless and orchestrated to smear his reputation.
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/109944/sabah-dcm-i-denies-rm1.78m-mining-scandal-claim-calls-it-political-smear

“Kitingan decries ‘fabricated’ RM1.78mil claim linked to mining scandal”
Reaffirmed that the allegations were entirely fabricated and politically calculated.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/06/29/kitingan-decries-fabricated-rm1-78mil-claim-linked-to-mining-scandal/

“Amid Sabah scandal fallout, Kitingan threatens to pull STAR out of GRS?”
In response to his implication in the mining controversy, he hinted at withdrawing his party (STAR) from the GRS ruling coalition, though he later clarified the statement was taken out of context.
https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2025/07/02/amid-sabah-scandal-fallout-kitingan-threatens-to-pull-star-out-of-grs

Conspiracy Accusations Amid Corruption Scandal (Dec 2024 & Jul 2025)

Jeffrey Kitingan strongly denied claims that he conspired against Sabah CM Hajiji Noor or was implicated in a video-linked mining license scandal. He described them as politically motivated smears and blamed “hidden hands” aiming to destabilize the state government.

Malay MailThe Star

1991 ISA Detention — Alleged Secession Plot

Jeffrey was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 26 months on suspicion of plotting Sabah’s secession—allegations he and many observers later deemed politically driven. He has since forgiven his accusers and continues advocating for Sabah’s constitutional rights.
The Star

Party-Hopping and Political Opportunism

He has switched political parties several times—from PBS to AKAR, PBRS, UBA, STAR, and back—earning the label “katak” (frog), though he defends his moves as necessary to advance Sabah’s interests.
Wikipedia

“Alternative Budget” Confrontation (2018)

In 2018, Jeffrey attempted to present an “alternative budget” in Sabah’s legislative assembly, infuriating officials who argued the move was out of order under standing rules.
Malay Mail

Calls to Rename Chief Minister Position to “Premier”

He has proposed that Sabah should elevate its Chief Minister title to “Premier,” mirroring Sarawak, sparking debate about Sabahan autonomy and identity.

“Sabah for Sabahans” Criticism & Party Alignment (2025 Comments)

BN Sabah chief Bung Moktar criticized Jeffrey for supporting BN over Warisan in 2018, alleging hypocrisy given his “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan.
Borneo Post Online

Defender of MA63 & Sabah Rights

Jeffrey remains a steadfast advocate for Sabah’s constitutional rights, particularly regarding the 20-point Agreement and fair revenue distribution under MA63.
Scoop

Founder of UBA & Political Unity Efforts

He established the United Borneo Alliance (UBA) in 2012, which later merged into broader coalitions like United Sabah Alliance (USA), culminating in today’s STAR party—designed to prioritize Sabahan autonomy.
Wikipedia

Instrumental in PBS–STAR Merger Talks

He spearheaded grassroots-level merger discussions between STAR and PBS in preparation for improved political cohesion ahead of state elections.
The Star

Advance Food Autonomy — Rice Import Management

Jeffrey urged Sabah to handle its own rice imports to reduce monopolistic influence and stabilize local prices.
The Star