KOTA KINABALU – Sabah-based party Warisan is set to open its branches in Peninsular Malaysia following almost a year of planning as the party makes its bow into the national political stage.
Party president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the expansion into the peninsula has been set for December 17 and that he is now going through the list of names to be made party sponsors.
“I will announce who they are as I already have the list. I am still verifying the details over who can be the party sponsors.
“We want to ensure we have the right leaders as well as how best this can be successfully done,” he told reporters after opening the Putatan Warisan division meeting last night.
Shafie said Warisan cannot be too ambitious to open up chapters across Malaysia, but pointed out that peninsula-based chapters will be in places where the party can make an impact in the 15th general election (GE15).
“We are going to be selective. There are certain places that we might not open (branches) in.
“But we are hoping to open where we can have a better impact in the forthcoming election.
“We cannot be too ambitious and spread to the whole country. We know our capacity.
“The party may not have the time to prepare for an extensive expansion, but we have done our homework and will only realise branches that can make an impact for us in GE15,” he said.
Warisan had announced its decision to expand its branches and members into the peninsula on December 13 last year during the party’s congress.
On electoral cooperation, Shafie said plans to form an alliance with Muda are already quite clear, adding that he has met with Muda leaders including president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
“After the expansion, we will be working closely with my colleague, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
“I have already spoken to him and also met the Muda committee, although it has yet to be registered as a party, so already it is quite clear (on a political cooperation),” he said.
Shafie also hinted that a Peninsular Malaysian assemblyman will be joining Warisan, but refused to give more details.
The Semporna MP had distanced himself from calls for a leadership transition in Pakatan Harapan (PH), saying it is up to the PH leaders to decide whom they want to lead the coalition.
Commenting on the party’s ongoing divisional meetings, Shafie said he is glad the party’s grassroots remain intact.
He said there is also a clear political shift of support from the grassroots to now supporting Warisan since after the Sabah polls in 2020.
“For example, when I was in Kimanis yesterday, about 92 Umno members decided to join Warisan, including from the youth and Puteri wings.
“Two weeks ago, 400 Umno members from Libaran decided to join Warisan. This is clear cut – some of the YBs must have bought them, but the grassroots remain intact.
“It must be the promises they made from the Sabah election not being fulfilled. So I think they realise that. I just hope they stick to their stance,” he added. – The Vibes, November 29, 2021
