New Direction or Division? The Position of Parti Warisan Sabah

Earlier this week, Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal repeated his party’s intention to contest for seats in the Peninsula, and that while his party is open to working with Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus as part of the Opposition bloc when it needs to form the next government, he still hasn’t revealed who Warisan will be partnering in the next general election. Datuk Seri Apdal spoke to us today to address his party’s situation.

1. Still (Maybe) Allies

Shafie clarified that he actually made his position clear last year when he told the leaders of PH Plus that his party intended to distance itself while still remaining on board as a member of the opposition. While he did not specify whether there was a formal relationship between the parties, the former Sabah Chief Minister did state that they were still in touch, and have platforms that facilitate interactions between their respective MPs. It’s just that right now Warisan wants to focus on building up their own party so that they can fulfil their foundational goal of taking care of all Malaysians.

2. Looking Forward

Being a politician with over 35 years’ experience working both in the government and opposition, Shafie believes that Malaysians need to look beyond the current squabbling and fragmentation, which has caused us to lag behind countries like Vietnam which, he noted, has become a better choice for investors despite the economic issues facing the world, because of the confidence in the vision of the country’s leaders, the foundation that has been laid, and its productive people.

3. Goals and Ambitions

Sabah didn’t confirm nor deny if he would be leading a coalition of his own in Peninsula Malaysia, brushing aside the assertions that he wanted to become Prime Minister. He instead stressed that any endeavours in Peninsular Malaysia would not be about positioning or forming another political party, but to provide solutions for the issues at hand, like high unemployment and the digitalization of Malaysia.

4. Eastern Baggage?

Shafie admitted that while East Malaysia has its own baggage, it also has a unique history. Sabah has had Chief Ministers of different races, and he added that the people there don’t dispute the rights of anyone else. He once again emphasised that Warisan’s goal now is to help the country, by enlarging the economic cake and utilizing economic tools to unite people instead of dividing them in terms of race and culture.

5. The Young and the Future

Shaifie said that he had also personally spoken to Syed Saddiq of MUDA, stating his support for the right for 18 year olds to vote. However when pressed for details, Shafie could not confirm a partnership with MUDA but said that they are still in talks. He then went on to praise MUDA for being a multiracial group of young professionals who love their country and want to contribute.

What do you think about Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal’s assertions? Is this a new direction Malaysians need to consider? Or is it more of the same empty promises we’ve heard before? Let us know your opinions.

Written by Toby Teh and Edited by Roshan Kanesan