PITAS, Sept 28 — Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) has reaffirmed its intention for the third time to contest all 73 state seats on its own in the upcoming state election, putting to rest speculation over any potential alliances or “third force” collaborations with other political parties.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the party’s stance had been clearly decided and endorsed multiple times by its supreme council, adding that Warisan’s alliance is with the people, not with political groups.
“We have already stated that Warisan’s position is to unite with the people. And we will be contesting all 73 seats across Sabah,” he told reporters when met after an event in Kampung Dandun, under Bengkoka constituency, here on Saturday.
His comments came in response to a statement by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who said Barisan Nasional (BN) is open to working with any party that shares its vision for the state and the nation.
However, he declined to reveal the identity of the so-called “third force” BN is said to be in talks with in Sabah.
Shafie, however, dismissed such speculation, stressing that Warisan has already resolved not once, but twice that it will contest independently.
“Although there are quarters talking about alliances, what’s important is that we’ve already had two supreme council meetings where we clearly decided that we’ll be contesting all 73 seats,” he said.
“So why are there still rumours about us joining forces with anyone?” he asked.
The Semporna MP also reiterated that Warisan’s struggle is centred on protecting and advocating for the people of Sabah particularly those still lacking access to basic needs and public services.
“What’s important to us is uniting with the people of Sabah, who are in urgent need of support for their basic necessities at this time,” he said.
He warned of worsening climate conditions in the state, highlighting the potential transition from flooding to drought and the increased risk of fires all of which, he said, require proactive planning and mitigation efforts.
“I’m confident that after the floods, we’ll face hotter weather. There will be fires, and we need to be prepared to protect the people.
“Even if there’s no water in the rivers or from the Water Department, we still have water in the sea. So how do we store and use that water to help us prepare for potential weather changes?” he further asked.
Shafie stressed that the rainy season would soon give way to intense heat, and said proper water management and disaster preparedness were essential especially as Sabah continues to face resource constraints and infrastructure challenges.
Ending his remarks, he made it clear once more that Warisan is not in any coalition and intends to go solo, with the people as its main partner.
“Let me repeat, we are not forming an alliance with any party. We are aligning ourselves with the people, to defend and serve them this time around,” he said. — The Borneo Post
