Jeffrey Kitingan - Political Career

Political Career

He is known to be a controversial politician, having been detained under the infamous Internal Security Act on suspicion of plotting to secede Sabah from the federation of Malaysia. He is also known to have switched political parties a number of times, being a former member of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Parti Angkatan Keadilan Rakyat (AKAR Bersatu), and United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO). In 2003, he applied to join the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) but his application was rejected.

He was a Vice President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat until his resignation from the position on 28 October 2009. Despite speculation that he might leave the political party, his aides have maintained that he will remain as a member. In 2010, Jeffrey founded a NGO named "United Borneo Front (U.B.F)", which aimed to strive the rights of Sabah and Sarawak in accordance to 20-point agreement and Malaysia Agreement that contained in 7 Borneo Agenda.

In the Malaysian General Election 2008, he challenged his brother Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin from Barisan Nasional-Parti Bersatu Sabah at the Keningau Parliamentary Constituency, but lost.

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