Banggi Island: Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) said the party has long been ready for the coming state election through years of continuous engagement with the people across Sabah.
Speaking at a meet-the-people session in here, on Thursday, Shafie said Warisan’s preparations began well before the State Assembly was dissolved, as part of the party’s consistent outreach efforts.
“We didn’t wait for the Assembly to be dissolved. For almost four years, I have visited all 73 districts, from Sipitang to Kudat, from Kinabatangan to Keningau, Nabawan, Sook and many others,” he said.
He was responding to the Election Commission’s announcement earlier in the day that polling for the 17th Sabah State Election will be held on Nov 29.
Shafie said Warisan’s activities over the years were not political campaigning but part of its ongoing effort to meet people, understand their challenges and build stronger community networks.
“Our focus has always been on readiness, not panic or reaction. When the time comes, our candidates will be ready.
“I’m not announcing names yet because after more than 30 years in politics, I know how some try to buy candidates, proposers and seconders before nomination day.
“That’s why we are focusing on strengthening our groundwork now to remain strong later,” he said.
He said Warisan’s real strength lies in the trust and confidence people have in the party, not merely in its candidates.
“What matters most is the party. If people believe Warisan can bring a better future for Sabah, that’s what they will choose.
“It’s not Kuala Lumpur that decides who becomes Chief Minister, it’s the voters of Sabah who must come out in full force to decide our own future and protect Sabah’s dignity,” he said.
Shafie also took a swipe at the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), pointing to visible divisions within the coalition.
“Look at GRS today, some contest as independents, some under different logos and some are not even sure which to use.
“If they don’t trust their own logo, how can the people trust them?” he added.
He said Warisan remains a local party with proven experience both in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, capable of governing effectively and defending Sabah’s rights.
He also cautioned that Warisan’s people will must never be distorted through political manoeuvres or legal manipulation.
“We must be careful when we talk about majority and mandate. The law cannot be twisted to deny the people’s will. If Warisan wins the majority, that is the people’s voice and no one can deny it,” Shafie said.