SEMPORNA: Any future electoral coalition involving Warisan must establish a clear "red line" to ensure Sabah's rights and voice are not sidelined, says party president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic).
Speaking after the Warisan Semporna divisional meeting on Friday (Sept 11), Shafie said that while the party remains open to electoral pacts ahead of the next general election, it will prioritise partnerships with Sabah-based parties.
"We do not want our voice on the needs and rights of Sabahans to fade or become secondary when we join certain parties," Shafie said, emphasising that political cooperation must genuinely strengthen local representation.
He rejected suggestions that championing state rights amounts to anti-nationalism, arguing that addressing grassroots needs under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) ultimately reinforces the nation.
"Bringing together Sabah’s voice does not mean we do not love our country," he said. "If there can be a strong regional voice in Sarawak or Johor, why can’t Sabah have its voice through Warisan?"
While open to federal-level alignment, Shafie reaffirmed Warisan’s role as an opposition force within Sabah. He declined to set a target for parliamentary seats, stating that voters will decide based on Warisan's track record in translating state aspirations into action.
