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KOTA KINABALU – There is nothing wrong with Warisan working with Umno, despite the allegations of corruption dogging the Malay-based party, said Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Shafie, who is Warisan president, said even Pakatan Harapan and other political parties are working with Umno as part of the federal unity government.
“I have said before that Warisan is open to cooperation with any parties… even with PBS and Sabah Star, although that did not happen.
“I was even told that people should not vote for Warisan as we plan to work with Umno. It (Umno) is corrupt. But we are still working together.
“Even Pakatan Harapan works with Umno. There is no reason not to. Umno also indicated it wants to work with us,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Warisan headquarters here today.
Shafie said Warisan’s decision to work with others is influenced by the grassroots, adding that “if this is what the followers want, the party takes it into consideration”.
The Sabah opposition leader said Warisan has had several informal meetings, but has not decided anything concrete on working with Umno.
Shafie was an Umno vice-president who was suspended on June 24, 2016 for his vocal criticism of then prime minister and party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and allegations linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
The Sabah leader quit the party on July 4, 2016.
Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) president Datuk Peter Anthony today said his party continues to back the federal unity government and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah state government.
“At this stage we have not decided to work with any parties. We will only decide on cooperation come election time,” he said of reports of an Umno-Warisan-KDM cooperation.
He added that KDM was taken by surprise when Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim quit the party, which he co-founded.
“We have made it clear that we are supportive of the Sabah government. He probably indicated he has not received his constituency funds.
“Still, this should not be the reason as I have met with the prime minister recently and was informed allocations will be channelled soon. Also, members were also told of this during party meetings.” – The Vibes, May 22, 2023