Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal said the party would maintain a “friendly posture” towards the Federal Government if it succeeds in forming the next Sabah government after the 17th state election.
He added that Warisan is already friendly with the Unity Government, noting that his brother currently serves as a deputy minister at the federal level.
Speaking at a press conference at Warisan headquarters on Wednesday, Shafie said he has long maintained good relations with leaders in the current administration “whether from Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Harapan (PH)”, while stressing that “Sabah should be governed by Sabahans who understand the state’s needs best”.
Citing Sarawak as an example of harmonious cooperation with Putrajaya, Shafie said federal ministers can still visit despite PKR and DAP being in the opposition there, and that “Abang Johari is not from PKR yet enjoys a good relationship with the Federal Government”.
He questioned why Warisan’s friendliness towards the centre should be viewed negatively in Sabah.
Shafie said Warisan’s aim is to work with the people, not provoke political strife.
He also recalled having served as a federal minister tasked with unity, adding that his goal now is to unite Sabahans under Warisan’s banner.
He referenced past cooperation with Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PH — including efforts that led to Anwar Ibrahim’s release, and said recent engagements with students, academics and civil servants show growing calls for a stronger, unified Sabah voice.
On the coming polls, Shafie said the focus is to win more seats. “Cooperation can be discussed later; the priority now is to secure victory,” he said, urging party members to work hard and avoid complacency.
