KOTA KINABALU: Fauziah Mohd Fuad Stephens (pic), the daughter of one of Sabah’s founding fathers, is Warisan’s choice for the Bengkoka seat, as the party positions itself to contest all 73 state seats.
Mohd Fuad was among the key Sabah leaders involved in the formation of Malaysia in 1963 and became the first chief minister.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who will defend his Senallang seat in Semporna, unveiled his party candidates in their bid to recapture the state government, which it lost to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah in 2020.
In his speech, Shafie called on Sabahans to stay united and steadfast in defending 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,” Shafie said, adding that Warisan’s duty is to continue that legacy by defending the rights and dignity of Sabahans.
He said Warisan’s political struggle is not about power or position but about fairness and justice for the people.
“We are not asking for anything beyond what is rightfully ours,” Shafie said while unveiling the party’s candidate list.
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.
Incumbent Silam assemblyman Dumi Masdal has been replaced with Shafie’s brother federal deputy minister Datuk Yusof Apdal, the Lahad Datu MP.
Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis will take on the Usukan seat.
Warisan, which will re-field all 11 remaining incumbents from the 23 seats they won in the last state election, has also brought back four former assemblymen – Jornah Mozihim (Matunggong), Datuk Uda Sulai (Putatan), Datuk Aidi Moktar (Pantai Manis) and Datuk Jasa Rauddah (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 candidates list.
