WARISAN will not evaluate election candidates based solely on race, but rather prioritise their ability and integrity in translating the aspirations of the people of Sabah ahead of the upcoming General Election (GE).
Its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said the results of the last State Election (PRN) proved that support for Warisan did not only come from one particular race, but was now seen across various communities, including the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) and the Muslim community on the east coast of Sabah.
“Actually, in the last election, it was not only the Chinese community that gave support, but the KDM community was also with us. For example, in areas like Inanam and Kapayan, not only Chinese voters, but KDM also supported us. The same goes for the East Coast, which is predominantly Muslim. This shows that support for Warisan is comprehensive,” he said after attending the Chinese New Year celebration at Kian Kok Secondary School in Kota Kinabalu today.
Commenting on whether Warisan would consider adding more candidates from the Chinese community in the upcoming GE, following the increased support from the community, the former Chief Minister said that the selection of candidates needs to be seen more comprehensively.
“What is important for us is not just to field candidates based on race. We need to see their ability to translate the hopes of the people of Sabah. Are they really leaders who can serve?
“We cannot judge someone based on the money they have or their ethnic background, but based on what they have done and are capable of doing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Shafie stressed that any increase in support cannot be considered easy or automatic, but must be worked on consistently.
“Maybe we need to wait until the time is right. We also need to see and assess the current political atmosphere and environment. I am confident that this time it is not just a matter of increasing Warisan seats, but how we build the people's confidence in the party's struggle.
“Support does not come by itself. We have to work hard to get it. I have been in politics for a long time, and I know and understand the situation. In the last election, I went to 73 constituencies in four years without stopping. That is the effort we are making consistently to gain the people's trust,” he added. – February 19, 2026
