Mohd Shafie Apdal, president of Warisan, has taken a firm stance against allowing former members who defected to other parties to return as candidates for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN-17). Speaking at the launch of Warisan’s campaign slogan, “Save Sabah,” Shafie emphasized that this policy aims to curb the unprincipled culture of party-hopping, which he described as a betrayal of the people’s mandate.
While Warisan remains open to accepting new members, including those who previously left and wish to rejoin, Shafie clarified that such individuals would only be welcomed as ordinary members, not as election candidates. “Some want to return just to secure a candidacy. That’s not possible,” he told Berita Harian. “Our priority is to regain power and ensure political stability in Sabah.”
“Save Sabah”: A Call for Unity
The “Save Sabah” slogan, unveiled during the campaign launch, embodies Warisan’s vision of unity and revival as the party prepares for PRN-17. Shafie explained that the slogan reflects the party’s commitment to fostering solidarity among Sabahans and reclaiming leadership of the state government. “We use one logo and one slogan to show the people that Warisan stands for one bond, one unity,” he said, as he welcomed over 1,600 new members from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), PKR, and Bersatu.
The former Sabah Chief Minister expressed confidence that “Save Sabah” could ignite a new wave of support, reshaping the state’s political landscape by emphasizing unity and effective governance.
Cracking Down on Party-Hopping
To address the persistent issue of party-hopping, Shafie revealed that Warisan is developing an internal legal mechanism to deter defections. This includes requiring candidates to sign affidavits (SD) pledging loyalty to the party. Under the proposed rules, any Warisan candidate who wins a seat but later defects will lose their party membership, be required to vacate their seat, and face a hefty RM10 million fine.
Shafie stressed that the substantial penalty is designed to send a clear message: politics should not be a shortcut to personal gain. “We want to end this culture of betrayal and ensure accountability to the people,” he said.
No Alliance with Barisan Nasional
Addressing speculation about potential collaborations, Shafie firmly denied any plans to work with Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the election. His focus remains on Warisan’s independent strategy to consolidate support and deliver on its promises to Sabah’s electorate.
A Vision for Sabah’s Future
The launch of the “Save Sabah” campaign marks a pivotal moment for Warisan as it gears up for PRN-17. Shafie’s emphasis on unity, accountability, and principled governance resonates with Sabahans seeking stability and progress. As
