Warisan: Our goal is to take over the state government

WARISAN is keeping its election plans under wraps and remains cautious about forming alliances.

Its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said the party will announce its strategy at the right time, acknowledging the challenges of working with others due to the risk of unstable coalitions.

“This is not just about fielding candidates but winning seats. We don’t want to waste time and effort—our goal is to take over the state government.

“It’s not about having big numbers only to later struggle with instability caused by policy changes, demands for positions, and project lobbying by leaders.

“If we don’t give in to their demands, they’ll turn against us. It’s very difficult,” he told reporters after a Chinese New Year walkabout at Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu.

Warisan won the most seats in the 2020 Sabah snap election, securing 29 seats. Alongside its allies, Pakatan Harapan and Upko, the coalition also won the popular vote.

However, Warisan failed to form the government, losing to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional (BN), which secured a simple majority.

Subsequent political shifts and defections saw Warisan lose several assemblymen.

Shafie said elections are about choosing a government to develop the state—not serving the interests of a few individuals or parties.

During his walkabout, Shafie noted widespread concerns over shrinking incomes and unemployment.

“Some people told me they have no work and only came to Kota Kinabalu for jalan-jalan (sightseeing). This is a problem we must resolve,” he said. - January 19, 2025.