Former PKR Sabah secretary joins Warisan

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 10): Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah secretary Sazalye Donol has joined Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), describing the party led by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal as the only platform that truly champions the rights of the people and the state of Sabah.

Speaking at a press conference with Shafie at the Warisan headquarters on Sunday, Sazalye said his decision came after careful consideration of the current political direction, particularly regarding the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s claim to 40 per cent of its net revenue.

“Warisan is the only party that shares the same ideals as me and my colleagues. I see Warisan as not just talking, but actually implementing, especially in terms of MA63,” he said.

He added that Warisan had proven its commitment to the people through concrete actions during its administration from 2018 to 2020, including the distribution of land titles to local Sabahans.

“If Warisan were truly a party for undocumented immigrants, as some claim, the previous Warisan government would not have given land to Sabahans themselves,” he stressed.

Sazalye clarified that his decision to leave PKR was not out of hostility but because he wanted to align himself with a platform that was “cleaner, more transparent, and consistent. The old party was not bad, but I wanted a cleaner room. I see Warisan as a party that truly protects the unity of the Sabah people,” he said. Commenting on UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick’s recent resignation from the Federal Cabinet over the 40 per cent revenue issue, Sazalye described it as a “political gimmick” ahead of the state election.

“Ewon previously said he would resign if the court’s decision was appealed. But no appeal has been made. So to me, this is more of a political gimmick. He wants to portray himself as a hero for Sabah’s rights,” he said.

Sazalye also expressed regret over the Prime Minister’s recent remarks, which he described as confusing in relation to the court’s decision on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, stressing that Warisan has always remained consistent in defending Sabah’s rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963.