KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan is not in any talks or part of any "Borneo Bloc" political arrangement, says its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said any future political cooperation would be evaluated based on Sabah's interests as any unity must produce practical results for the state and not just political slogans.
"Any alliance we form must not only strengthen our unity, but also realise what is needed to be achieved for the state," he said.
"There is no point in speaking out for 70 years if we have not been able delivered. Today, the 40% state revenue issue is still under judicial appeal and delayed. So where do we go from here? There is no point in uniting Sabah's voice if the actions are different," Shafie told reporters on Saturday (Nov 14) after chairing the first meeting of the newly elected supreme council.
Shafie said Sabah should strengthen its political bargaining power and ensure its resources benefit Sabahans, noting that Sarawak had been more successful because local parties there spoke with a united voice.
The Semporna MP said Warisan would continue to push for Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) while creating public awareness about the state's entitlements, as many, including some leaders, did not fully understand the foundation of the country's formation.
With party elections concluded last month, he said Warisan was focusing on strengthening the party and preparing for the coming general election.
Highlighting Sabah's key issues, Shafie pointed to unemployment that was driving many Sabahans to migrate to Peninsular Malaysia due to a lack of job creation, alongside perennial water supply problems and inadequate healthcare and education facilities.
He also raised concerns over the priorities of federal development projects that did not focus on the state's basic infrastructure needs.
Shafie announced the appointment of two senior party leaders, Bongawan assemblyman Dr Daud Yusof and Merotai assemblyman Sariffudin Hata, as appointed vice-presidents, while Likas assemblyman Tham Yun Fook was named information chief.
Eleven members, including nine assemblymen, were also appointed to the supreme council.
He named Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong as Warisan's election director to coordinate preparations for upcoming elections, particularly in constituencies identified as key battlegrounds, while Datuk Loretto Padua was retained as secretary-general.
Shafie also announced the formation of policy-focused bureaus covering legal affairs, MA63 research, land and state rights, tourism, skills and workforce training, infrastructure, environment, health, education, economy and entrepreneurship, communications and technology, and agriculture and fisheries.
He also urged the public to be cautious against fake news and AI-generated misinformation on social media.
