KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, President of Parti Warisan, has criticised the recent remarks made by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, who accused Warisan leaders of politicising the Istana Negeri.
Shafie deemed these accusations not only unjust but also misleading, particularly given the chief minister’s position as the state’s leader.
He emphasised that the Chief Minister has overlooked the core issue at hand.
“Darell Leiking and Azis Jamman did not disrespect or attack the Istana. They merely posed legitimate questions regarding the appropriateness of allocating public funds for a state celebration at a time when many residents of Sabah are struggling to afford basic necessities.”
“Let me be very clear that this is not an attack on the Istana. It is a legitimate question about whether public funds are being spent in the best interest of the people.
“Is it wrong to ask if that money could be better used for the people?” he said in a statement here today.
Shafie said public money must be spent wisely, and every ringgit must be justified.
“In a democracy, asking questions about government spending is not wrong. It is not only allowed but also necessary. It’s called a check and balance.
“If leaders can’t be questioned, especially about how they use public funds, then something is seriously wrong,” he added.
The former chief minister said this is not about politics but about priorities.
“During hard times, leaders should lead by example. When families are tightening their belts, the government should do the same.
“Good leadership means making tough choices and putting people first instead of holding ceremonies just for show,” he added.
He said right now, Sabahans are facing real problems with rising food prices, unemployment, floods, poor infrastructure, and not enough basic services.
“These are the things that need urgent attention. Warisan believes in responsible spending and transparency.
“We hear leaders talking about saving money, but when it comes to government events, those rules don’t seem to apply.
That’s why we asked the question.
“Darell and Azis have both been in government. They know how these events work. Their questions were not personal or disrespectful but were part of a healthy democracy,” he said.
Shafie said it is dangerous when any government starts calling every question “a lie” just because it comes from the opposition.
“That’s not leadership. That’s insecurity. That’s trying to shut people up.
“We call on the Chief Minister to focus on what truly matters. Create jobs, repair bad roads, schools, and hospitals, and ease the burden of everyday Sabahans,” he said.
Shafie said Warisan will always fight for honesty, good governance, and the right of the people to ask questions even if it makes those in power uncomfortable.
“That is what democracy is all about,” he added.
