KOTA KINABALU: Former assemblymen who defected from Parti Warisan will not be fielded as candidates again in the coming Sabah state election, says Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The party president said Warisan would not compromise on matters of loyalty as it sought to strengthen internal discipline and restore public confidence ahead of the polls, warning that those who once left the party would not be allowed a political comeback under its banner.
“Anyone who left and wishes to return cannot be a candidate. We must have principles,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the launch of Warisan’s state election campaign slogan “Selamatkan Sabah” in Tawau on Saturday (Oct 4), where he announced the party’s firm stance against political defections as part of its efforts to rebuild public trust and strengthen support ahead of the polls.
“The step we are taking to unite the people of Sabah is not just about the methods we use. If those who left genuinely regret their actions, that is fine — but we cannot allow them back in as candidates.
“Some people only try to return because they want to contest again, and that is not acceptable. If there are new individuals who have never been involved in politics but can strengthen the party, then we may consider them.
“What matters most is that we regain power — but this culture of hopping must stop. It is difficult for us to accept those who might join us again, use our logo, and then contest under a different party. That cannot happen,” he said.
Shafie said Warisan has in place strict legal measures to prevent defections, including a requirement for all candidates to sign a RM10mil statutory declaration before contesting under the party’s ticket.
“Whoever wants to contest under the Warisan logo must sign a statutory declaration worth RM10mil. If they leave the party or are expelled for going against the party’s principles, they will not only lose their membership — they will be stripped of their position and seat as a state assemblyman, and they will have to pay the RM10mil fine,” he said.
“This is not just about trust — we spend party funds and energy to support them. That declaration will hold them accountable and stop people from treating politics as a place to seek rewards or personal gain,” he added.
Among the 11 assemblymen who left Warisan are Datuk Norazlinah Arif (Kunak), Hassan A Gani Pg Amir (Sebatik), Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin (Karamunting), Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Awang Sahari (Petagas), Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin (Banggi), Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin (Tanjong Kapor) and Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin) — all of whom are now with Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah under GRS.
Datuk Peter Anthony (Melalap) and Datuk Juil Nuatim (Limbahau) formed Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat, with Juil later joining GRS. Datuk Rina Jainal (Kukusan) joined Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah under GRS, while Datuk Mohammadin Ketapi (Segama) was now with Umno.
The “Selamatkan Sabah” or “Save Sabah” slogan, unveiled alongside Warisan’s logo, symbolises the party’s push to unite Sabahans under a single message of reform. The white colour represents integrity and sincerity, red signifies courage and spirit, while blue reflects capability and readiness to govern for the people.
