LAHAD DATU: Cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Warisan (Warisan) is not new as both had previously worked together in the “Langkah Kinabalu” movement with the same aim of toppling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said BN was once with GRS but chose to betray and align with Warisan to bring down a government elected by the people.
“They tried to seize power through the back door, but many elected representatives remained rational and rejected endless politics. What matters is having leaders who prioritise stability,” he said when met after officiating the Cultural Night in conjunction with the Lahad Datu Festival Vaganza Etnik (Food and Culture) 2025, here.
Nizam said under GRS, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has shown sincerity and capability in developing the State and ensuring the people’s well-being.
He added that under the GRS leadership, investments increased, the economy grew and state revenue was returned to the people in the form of assistance.
“This is the Government we must defend because it talks less, promises less but has proven to benefit the people. Unlike governments or leaders who only talk but fail to deliver once in power,” he said Nizam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, former Bersatu Sabah Deputy Chief Aksyah Nasrah criticised the alleged secret collaboration between Warisan and BN ahead of the 17th State Election.
He described it as a “political manoeuver” that could turn Sabah into a “cash cow.” Aksyah claimed that GRS was aware of such discussions since the Langkah Kinabalu incident, making the revelation unsurprising.
“GRS machinery is prepared for this possibility,” he said.
To deceive the people, Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Mohd Apdal has been selling the narrative that they are moving solo and partnering with the rakyat. “In reality, this is a big lie.”His remarks followed a report by “Sabah Infor,” quoting The Star journalist Jaceline Tan about a clandestine meeting between Shafie and Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The report suggested a potential post-election alliance, with Shafie allegedly willing to concede the Chief Minister’s post to Umno if they regained power.
Voicing deep concerns, Aksyah said: “This is not just backstabbing; it is beheading the people of Sabah. If it really happens, it will give rise to a ‘Keluarga 69’ style of politics that offers no benefit to the rakyat.” He also highlighted the apparent contradiction of BN chairman, who had previously opposed cooperation with DAP but is now allegedly open to compromises, leading to the label “UMDAP.”Contrasting this with Hajiji and GRS, Aksyah said their cooperation with PH was sincere and aimed at ensuring stability.
“This cooperation was born from honesty. One of the conditions was that more than two-thirds of seats be contested by GRS, proving that local parties remain the main pillar of Sabah’s administration.” Aksyah cautioned that a Warisan-BN alliance could jeopardise Sabahans’ rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The real power will still be controlled by invisible hands from Malaya. Even worse, Sabah will continue to be a political piggy bank for puppets,” he warned.
He urged voters to reject Warisan’s claim of being a wholly local party, asserting that the alleged pact conceals a dangerous agenda.
“If the people make the wrong choice, Sabah can only dream of prosperity and development.
“That is why Warisan and BN must be rejected in the coming state election to ensure the Sabah Maju Jaya development roadmap can be realised.”
