SEMPORNA: The nomination day for the Senallang state constituency has revealed a resurgence of support for the Warisan Party as Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal confirmed his candidacy for a third term.
The nomination process, held at the Semporna Community Hall, saw Shafie arrive to an extraordinary reception, with hundreds of Warisan supporters gathering as early as 7 AM.
The chants of “Save Sabah” and “Together with the People” echoed throughout the area, clearly signaling the party’s strength ahead of the Sabah state election.
Shafie, who previously led Sabah as Chief Minister from 2018 to 2020, asserted that the four-cornered contest does not dampen his spirit.
On the contrary, he views it as a sign of democratic maturity.
“This is Sabah’s democratic festival. Every candidate has the right to contest. What matters is our struggle for the people and the future of the state,” he stated.
He emphasized that this state election holds significant importance as it will determine Sabah’s direction, particularly in defending the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), while also ensuring the integrity of governance and economic stability are maintained.
Throughout the morning, the atmosphere around the nomination center was vibrant, with Warisan supporters arriving with banners, flags, and cheers that reflected grassroots unity.
This momentum is also interpreted as a sign of confidence in Shafie’s leadership, known for his reform agenda.
“We want Sabah to be governed well, and the future of our children to be more secure. This struggle cannot stop here,” he emphasized when approached.
Warisan also expressed gratitude to all supporters, volunteers, and local residents who ensured the nomination process was peaceful and orderly.
