SANDAKAN: Parti Warisan’s influence is not confined to Sabah’s east coast despite holding most of its state seats there, says its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who asserts the party continues to have support across the west coast and interior.
He dismissed the notion that Warisan is now only strong in its traditional east coast base, stating the party still has a presence in areas like Sepanggar, Darau and Moyog despite the exit of several assemblymen.
"The strength of Warisan is not only in the east coast. We had YBs from Sindumin, Bongawan, Papar and Kudat who left the party.
"But we also have representation in Moyog, Sepanggar and Darau. So how can Warisan be seen as only having strength in the east coast?" he said.
Shafie was speaking after the Sabah Youth Dialogue Session on the Future: Education, Employment, Economy, held at Sandakan Hotel on Saturday evening, which drew around 400 youth participants.
At the last state election in 2020, Warisan won 23 state seats. However, the number dropped following several defections and the death of its Bugaya assemblywoman later that year.
Currently, the party holds 14 seats in the state assembly following the entry of two former DAP assemblymen from Elopura and Sri Tanjong.
Shafie said he remained confident in Warisan’s grassroots support, especially after his recent visits to Tungku, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Tawau.
"Insyallah, we still hold the most seats in the east coast. I believe we can defend them. But we must not be complacent. We pray for strength from Allah SWT and work hard to ensure Warisan continues to partner with the people and becomes their choice," he added.
