Shafie Warisan Will Press On For Unity Sabah Led Political Front

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After securing the second largest bloc in the state election, Warisan president Shafie Apdal vowed to keep fighting for unity among Sabah-based parties and push for a fully Sabah-led political front.
Warisan secured 25 seats in the state polls, making it the biggest single party in the state legislative assembly.
Shafie said the results showed that many voters want state affairs to be driven by local leadership, not by coalitions dictated from Putrajaya.
“We received nearly 300,000 votes. The message is clear: Sabah wants clean leadership, integrity and a voice that understands its needs,” he told reporters at the party headquarters in Kota Kinabalu today.
Warisan posted some of its strongest gains in urban areas, with overwhelming support from Chinese-majority seats, he said, referring to the party’s victory to wipe out DAP in the election yesterday.
Warisan also dealt a major blow to PKR, leaving the party with just one seat.
Shafie called it unprecedented in his 36-year career and thanked voters for backing the party’s Sabah-first message.
He said Warisan’s broader urban support and multi-ethnic backing put the party in a strong position ahead of the next general election.
“The trust Sabahans placed in us, especially the Chinese community, we will safeguard it. Warisan will continue fighting for unity and a true Sabah-led political front,” he said.
He said Warisan’s main goal also remains unchanged: to build a united Sabah political front that can govern the state while maintaining constructive ties with the federal government.
“We can work with national parties in Kuala Lumpur, but Sabah must be governed by Sabah parties,” he insisted.
Shafie slams money politics
When asked if this includes working with GRS, Shafie said Warisan is open to cooperating with “local parties” but stressed that the label alone is not enough.
“What matters is leadership, governance and whether they truly represent Sabah,” he said.
The Warisan chief also alleged the election saw rampant use of cash inducements and alleged that irregularities were reported on polling day.
“The use of money was blatant. Sabah cannot be driven by this culture. We are a rich state, but money politics will destroy us,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Warisan still increased its tally to 25 seats, which Shafie described as a sign of long-term trust from voters.
Shafie also dismissed speculation that he held any post-election meetings with rival parties to broker a new state government.
“Wallahi, wabilahi, watallahi - I did not meet any leader. We want unity, but not at the expense of the people’s trust,” said Shafie, referring to reports that Warisan had a secret dialogue with BN, which secured six seats in the election yesterday.
He said any new state government must be stable and not “held hostage” by demands for projects, contracts or positions, should they decide to negotiate to form alliances with other political groups to form government.
Upko to back GRS
In a separate statement, Upko president Ewon Benedick confirmed that his party's three assemblypersons are backing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to form the next government.
Upko president Ewon BenedickHowever, he stressed that this support must be based on the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Ewon had led Upko out of Pakatan Harapan and in opposition to GRS prior to the polls over disagreements with Putrajaya's position on the 40 percent revenue shared owed to Sabah.
Supporting GRS now means it will also be partners with Harapan in the state government.
GRS had won 29 seats. Together with Harapan (1), Upko, and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star - 2 seats), the coalition has 35 seats, two short of a simple majority.
However, GRS chief Hajiji Noor - who was sworn in in the early hours today - is believed to have the support of the five independent winners. - Mkini

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