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KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan has chosen to prioritise working with the people rather than focusing on forming alliances with other parties for the upcoming 17th state election.
Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) said that by going solo, they can better address the needs of the people and create policies that benefit them.
"If we merge with other parties, many policies and plans would depend on what works for those parties as well," he said, responding to questions on why Warisan chose to work independently rather than forming alliances.
He said Warisan had previously experienced forming coalitions with parties like Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, which did not end well.
"Look at what happened in the end. We were with Pakatan, but today they merged with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)," said Shafie after a meet-the-people event at Kg Patikang Laut, Keningau on Saturday (July 19).
"I do not want to resolve their party issues and their needs. I want to solve the problems of the people," he stressed.
He emphasised that it was better to work directly with the people, listen to their needs, and forge 'coalitions' with them rather than focusing on other parties' needs.
Shafie said that by forging coalitions with the people, it means working and listening to them or risking being voted out in the next election.
"If the Berjaya and PBS governments could rule for 10 years each on their own, it means that those making the rules are the people, not political party mergers," he stressed.
Asked about GRS's renewed proposal to limit a chief minister's tenure to two consecutive terms if given the mandate again, he said the issue is not about the terms of chief ministership.
Shafie asked political parties to not create tactics to extend a Chief Minister's term and enshrine it in the constitution.
"We have experienced their (GRS's) governance, and if we allow them more terms, the problems faced by the people will continue to grow," he said.
During the event, about 800 people submitted their membership to Warisan.
