Kota Kinabalu: Warisan remains open to working with other Sabah-based parties in the future, its President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said.
“Well, we will look at the progress,” he said in response to questions on whether Warisan would cooperate with Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star).
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According to Shafie, the presence of political leaders from different parties at the Warisan Kaamatan celebration should not be interpreted as a sign of any immediate political collaboration.
He said leaders from various political parties were invited to attend the event in the spirit of the Kaamatan celebration.
The Warisan Kamaatan celebration on Saturday was also attended by leaders from other parties such as acting KDM President Priscella Peter. Star President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffery Kitingan was also supposed to attend but he had an urgent matter.
“They are here to attend the function. After all, it is only the Harvest Festival. There is nothing wrong for people representing their parties and the rakyat to attend such celebrations,” he said, adding that any future cooperation would depend on developments and discussions.
Shafie also stressed the need for greater unity among Sabahans.
“It is time for us to be united because of needs. Every community wants clean water, jobs and a better future for the next generation,” he said.
On the possibility of Warisan contesting the Sepanggar parliamentary seat in the next general election, Shafie said the party would study the matter but assured that Warisan would continue providing leadership and representation in the area.
“We will definitely make sure that Warisan is there to contest and provide that sort of leadership and representation. We need voices that can look after the people, so we will look into that area,” he said.
Commenting on recent defections involving several Warisan members joining Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Shafie dismissed concerns that the party was under threat.
“Nothing to worry about. We have seen members leave Umno, PKR and DAP. Warisan also is not exclusive. We also have nine former elected representatives leaving Warisan before, and people said the party was going to die,” he said.
He claimed some defections were driven by personal interests, including promises of land, projects and political positions, rather than the interests of the people.
“It is sad to see politics develop this way. Instead of focusing on solving issues such as water supply. Some leave because they do not get what they want or fail to secure candidacy,” he said.
Shafie maintained that Warisan remained focused on championing Sabahans’ interests and reiterated his call for greater unity among the State’s diverse communities.
Also present were Inanam Assemblywoman Edna Majimbun, Warisan Deputy President Daruk Darell Leiking and other Warisan leaders.
