KOTA KINABALU: Fauziah Mohd Fuad Stephens, the daughter of one of Sabah’s founding fathers, Tun Fuad Stephens, will contest the Bengkoka state seat under Warisan as the party positions itself to contest all 73 seats.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who will defend his Senallang state seat in Semporna, unveiled his party's candidates geared in their bid to recapture the state government.
In his speech, he called on Sabahans to stay united and firm to defend their rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He said the formation of Malaysia in 1963 was built on trust and mutual understanding between Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya, and this founding spirit of equality must remain at the heart of national governance.
“Sabah did not join Malaysia as a subordinate, but as an equal partner. That understanding must guide our journey forward,” he said.
Shafie said MA63 was achieved through the sacrifices of Sabah’s early leaders, who negotiated with the British and Malayan governments to ensure the state’s independence and future.
He said Warisan’s duty was to continue that legacy by defending the rights and dignity of Sabahans, regardless of race, religion or background.
“We are not asking for anything beyond what is rightfully ours,” he said in unveiling the party’s candidate list on Wednesday (Nov 12).
Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking, who is the party's state election director, has opted out of the race, allowing party vice president Terrence Siambun to contest the hot seat of Moyog.
Apart from Darell, incumbent Silam assemblyman Dumi Masdal was replaced with Shafie’s brother, federal deputy minister Datuk Yusof Apdal, the Lahad Datu MP.
Kota MP Isnaraisah Munira Majlis will take on the Usukan seat held by Sabah Barisan's Datuk Salleh Said Keruak in his traditional family stronghold seat in Usukan.
Warisan has re-fielded all 11 remaining incumbents from the 23 seats they won in the last state election.
Warisan also brought back former assemblymen Jornah Mozihim (Matunggong), Datuk Uda Sulai (Putatan), Datuk Aidi Mokhtar (Pantai Manis) and Datuk Jasa Raudah (Kunak) to contest.
Daughters of former senior state politicians - Nurulalsah Hassan Alban (Sungai Sibuga) and Norfaizah Chua (Kuamut) have also been included in the Warisan list.
Shafie said that the candidates were more than 60% new faces that included 10% women, as well as youth and professionals.
