Warisan’s decision to drop several high-profile leaders from its Sabah election lineup may backfire in the party’s traditional strongholds, say political analysts.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah political analyst Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said the decision is risky given that deputy president Darell Leiking, secretary-general Loretto Padua Jr, and information chief Azis Jamman hold substantial influence among grassroots communities in their areas.
“Their established reputations, strong local networks, and ministerial experience are valuable assets. Losing them from the campaign trail could potentially confuse grassroots members,” he told FMT.
However, Syahruddin said the move might reflect the party’s strategy to protect its national-level political assets ahead of the next federal elections, shielding them from the risks of electoral defeats in Sabah’s currently volatile political landscape.
He also noted that it could be an effort to make way for younger candidates, renewing the party’s leadership and responding to public demand for fresh faces.
“If Warisan successfully fields strong, credible local candidates and its core message resonates with voters, the strategy could turn out to be successful,” he added.
Another UMS analyst, Ramli Dollah, cautioned that Warisan’s approach could backfire in constituencies long held by its veterans if their replacements fail to gain traction.
“However, if the new candidates connect effectively with their constituents and convey that Warisan is genuinely renewing its leadership, it could prove strategically successful,” Ramli said.
“The party introduced new faces not because the veterans had lower winning chances, but because other candidates might perform better in the current political context.”
On Nov 12, Warisan president Shafie Apdal announced that Leiking would not defend his Moyog seat, which will instead be contested by vice-president Terrence Siambun. Loretto and Azis will also sit out the state polls.
Leiking, a former Penampang MP, served as international trade and industry minister from 2018 to 2020, while Azis was deputy home minister during the same period and served as Sepanggar MP.
Warisan also announced that Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis will contest the Usukan seat, setting up a clash with Barisan Nasional’s Salleh Said Keruak, a former Sabah chief minister, and Japlin Akim of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
Ramli said the Usukan race is one of the most anticipated in the state election as all three major coalitions are fielding prominent candidates.
He noted that while each candidate’s chances depend on voter engagement and individual appeal, the multi-cornered contest may give Isnaraissah an advantage.
Syahruddin pointed out that Salleh had a formidable election machinery in Usukan but added that Warisan’s campaign message prioritising Sabahan voices positions Isnaraissah as a strong contender.
