KOTA KINABALU, Oct 8 — Parti Warisan (Warisan) is unlikely to form alliances with any political party ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election, as the party sets its sights firmly on securing a two-thirds majority from the 73 seats it plans to contest.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal acknowledged concerns raised by several quarters about the difficulty of securing a simple majority in the upcoming polls.
However, he remained confident, stressing that Sabah’s political history has shown that single-party governance is not only possible but has worked in the past.
“In Sabah, we’ve seen this before. Under Harris, Berjaya governed for nearly a decade without any coalition. That period, in my experience, was one of the most progressive.
“Berjaya gave rise to basic infrastructure, Sabah Gas, Sabah Energy, Sabah Softwood, plywood production… the list goes on,” he told a press conference held in conjunction with the entry of new members into Warisan today.
Tan Sri Harris Salleh served as Chief Minister of Sabah from June 7, 1976, until March 15, 1985.
Shafie also pointed out that Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) had once governed for close to ten years on its own — a scenario he believes could repeat itself with a strong mandate from the people.
“With hope and prayers, we are aiming for a two-thirds majority, and that comes only with the people’s mandate,” he said.
The former chief minister also addressed past collaborations with Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu, explaining why Warisan is now choosing to go solo.
“We’ve worked with Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu before. But there were times when decisions had to be made according to the wishes of their party presidents, who, let’s not forget, are based in Kuala Lumpur.
“These presidents weren’t even elected by the people of Sabah,” he said.
He clarified, however, that Warisan’s refusal to collaborate at the state level should not be seen as hostility towards the federal government.
“At the federal level, our MPs are still aligned with the government bloc, and one of our own holds the post of deputy minister,” he said, referring to Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal.
When asked about reports suggesting that Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) was open to working with Warisan, Shafie was unequivocal.
“We’ve already made our decision. No cooperation. Even though they approached us last year, claiming they would leave their alliance, in the end, they didn’t.
“Now, we are choosing to work directly with the people of Sabah, not with political parties. Ultimately, it is the people who will decide who forms the government, not the parties,” he stressed.
Shafie also voiced concern over what he described as an increasing trend of party-led decisions overriding the people’s will in forming governments — a trend he believes must be discouraged.
“If we keep encouraging party leaders to make all the decisions, it only serves to divide the people of Sabah.
“Sabah is already the place with the most political parties in the world. We’ve got stars above, roots below. And if that’s not enough, there’s love and dreams in between.
“So where exactly are we leading the people of Sabah?” he questioned.
The press conference also saw several notable political figures announcing their entry into Warisan.
Among them were former Sabah and Labuan Umno Veterans chairman Datuk Sairin Karno; Bersatu’s Ranau Armada chief Mohd Haris George; and former PBS Karanaan division chief Danis Biuk.
Sairin, who previously served as the Liawan assemblyman and held government posts under Barisan Nasional, said his decision was made after assessing Warisan’s direction and commitment to Sabah’s future.
“I see Warisan as a party that truly champions the rights and future of Sabahans regardless of background,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Haris, who had been observing ground-level sentiments, said that he and around 50 fellow Bersatu Armada members decided to heed the voice of the people and throw their support behind Warisan in the upcoming state polls. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail – Malaysia
