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WARISAN president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal says his party is fully prepared for the coming Sabah state election, having spent years strengthening its grassroots network across all districts.
Shafie said Warisan’s preparation did not begin with the dissolution of the assembly but had been ongoing since the 2020 polls.
“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 and Sook,” he told reporters after a meet-the-people session at Banggi Island on the northern districts of Sabah.
He said the party’s work on the ground was not mere political campaigning but a continuous effort to understand people’s concerns and build community ties.
“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,” he said.
Shafie, who is a former Sabah Chief Minister, added that Warisan’s strength lies in the trust it has built among Sabahans, not in personalities or external influence.
“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,” he said.
He also took aim at the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), saying its internal divisions showed a lack of confidence.
“Look at GRS today — some contest as independents, some under different logos, some are unsure which to use. If they don’t trust their own logo, how can the people trust them?”
Shafie said Warisan, which governed Sabah from 2018 to 2020, has both the administrative experience and the local grounding to steer the state forward.
He concluded by warning against any attempts to distort the people’s mandate.
“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,” he said.
Polling for Sabah’s 17th state election has been set for 29 November, with nomination day fixed for 15 November, according to the Election Commission. - October 16, 2025