Melalap assemblyperson Peter Anthony declined an invitation to join Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), stressing that he was committed to forming a new party.

"Thank you for your trust and invitation. However, we have decided to form a new party which will be our platform to contribute to Sabah's development.

"Details of this new party will be announced soon," he said, according to Sinar Harian.

Anthony said he hopes to see unity among Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) leaders soon in a coalition of Sabah-based parties. He believed that such a coalition will be successful, similar to the political arrangement in Sarawak.