KOTA KINABALU: New comer Parti Warisan Sabah looks set to go on its own in the next election, ignoring offers by local-based coalition Gabungan Sabah and Pakatan Harapan to work together.
Local opposition parties have been touting the need to hammer out a seat sharing deal among themselves for a one-on-one fight with Barisan Nasional in all seats, but that remains a distant dream for now.
Warisan vice president Junz Wong said they were prepared to contest in all state seats now numbering 60 pending the inclusion of 13 new constituencies to be tabled in Parliament in March.
The party, which was formed in October last year, has shown little interest in dealing with other opposition parties, although Wong said they were still looking for credible partners who shared their vision to topple the state Barisan.
“We are here to form the next state government. We have to have the determination even if it means to fight in all seats,” he said.
Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing said a one-on-one contest against Barisan in all constituencies was the best way to take on the ruling coalition.
PCS was among the four parties in the United Sabah Alliance that also include the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), the State Reform Party (STAR) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan).
“We are ready to work with other parties and remain hopeful that our intelligence will decide on the right thing for the rakyat, who want a single candidate to take on Barisan,” Bumburing added.
He said Pakatan Harapan was not talking about targeting all seats and they were ready to talk to the opposition pact comprising PKR, DAP and Amanah.
Pakatan Harapan president Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said it was difficult for any party to go it alone in the polls against Barisan.
He said as things stood among the local opposition for now, there would be at least three cornered contests in most state seats.
STAR Sabah president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said a deal among the Opposition was not a crucial factor in defeating Barisan.
“It doesn’t make much difference since most of the voters have already decided to change the government,” he said.
