SEMPORNA: Warisan is open to collaborating with other parties ahead of the 16th General Election (PRU16), but emphasises that the voice and interests of Sabah must not be compromised in any political alliance.
Its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, stated that the party prioritises cooperation with local Sabah parties while also being open to partnerships with national parties.
He mentioned that any form of collaboration should not obscure the rights and demands of the people of Sabah or place them as secondary concerns.
“We do not want our alignment with certain parties to diminish the voice and needs of the people of Sabah, including their desires and rights, making them seem less important or merely ‘secondary’.
“Therefore, this is crucial for us. There must be a ‘red line’ when forming alliances in the future,” he said.
He told reporters after officiating the 9th Annual General Meeting of Warisan Semporna Division on Friday.
Mohd Shafie emphasised that the effort to strengthen Sabah’s voice should not be perceived as excessive regionalism but rather as part of the initiative to build a more robust nation.
He mentioned that Warisan is also open to national-level cooperation, even though the party remains in opposition in Sabah.
“We prioritise local parties. At the national level, we can collaborate. We are already working together now.
“However, in Sabah, we are in opposition because we do not want the voice of the people of Sabah to be lost,” he stated.
Commenting on Warisan’s target for seats in the upcoming 16th General Election, Mohd Shafie said the final decision rests with the people and the voters.
He expressed that Warisan aims to continue being a platform that can articulate the aspirations and advocate for the rights of the people of Sabah.
