As Sabah approaches closer to its state election, Parti Warisan President Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal has issued a rallying cry for Sabahans to reject national parties, calling for unity under his multi-racial local party. The stakes in this election, he warns, are higher than ever, with the future of Sabah’s governance hinging on whether the state can free itself from outside influence.
During a weekend address to the Chinese community in Tawau, Shafie emphasised that the next state election isn't just another political contest; it's a fight for Sabah's autonomy. "Sabahans should not rely on Kuala Lumpur to solve our problems," he declared, highlighting the stark reality that Sabah still struggles with fundamental issues such as clean water, consistent electricity, healthcare, and education. In his eyes, only a homegrown party like Warisan can ensure these issues are addressed.
Shafie contrasted the upcoming state polls with the 2022 general election, where the nation’s attention was on the race for the Prime Minister's seat. Now, the focus shifts to Sabah, and who will take charge as the state's Chief Minister. According to Shafie, only a leader from a local Sabah party can adequately represent and defend the interests of the people. He warned that national parties, dictated by leaders in Kuala Lumpur, would not prioritize the unique needs of Sabahans.
"Sabahans must unite," he urged, adding that if the electorate is splintered across different parties, it will only serve to weaken the state's position and allow outsiders to manipulate the outcome.
Shafie has not signaled any intention of forging alliances with other parties ahead of the election. Citing past betrayals, he recalled how the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which ran under Warisan’s symbol, failed to support Warisan when it came to forming the state government in early 2022. This, he noted, was a glaring example of the dangers of partnering with national parties that could shift allegiances based on directives from their central leadership.
Sabah's political landscape has often been shaped by leaders with ties to national parties, but Shafie has vowed to change that. He noted that, under Warisan’s previous administration from 2018 to 2020, the party’s commitment to inclusivity was evident. "We appointed four Chinese leaders to the state cabinet," Shafie said, promising that if Warisan wins the upcoming election, a qualified Chinese assemblyman would be appointed as Sabah’s finance minister, an important gesture aimed at demonstrating Warisan's dedication to fairness across all racial and religious lines.
In contrast, Shafie criticised the current Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government for not having enough representation from the Chinese community, stating that only two Chinese ministers were brought into the cabinet after pressure from Sabah Pakatan. This, according to Shafie, reveals a lack of genuine commitment to inclusivity within the current state government.
Shafie’s message was also clear about the risks of local parties aligning themselves with national interests. He cautioned Sabahans that many local party leaders are more concerned with securing positions within the federal government than in advocating for Sabah's autonomy. These leaders, Shafie argued, would only serve to divide the state further, weakening its chances of reclaiming the rights promised to it under the federal constitution.
In his final appeal, Shafie reminded Sabahans that Warisan’s mission is to serve the wellbeing of all Sabahans, regardless of race or religion. The coming election is not just about leadership—it’s about reclaiming Sabah's destiny, and for that, Shafie believes, Sabah must stand united under a local party.
With the future of Sabah at stake, the question now is: Will Sabahans heed Shafie’s call and vote for local representation, or will national parties continue to shape the state's political fate? Only time will tell.
By: Kpost
Information Source: TheStar
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