KOTA KINABALU – The door is open for Bandau assemblyman Datuk Wetrom Bahanda to join Warisan but he should do so willingly, said Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The Sabah opposition chief said he had told Wetrom that he could not offer him government positions or guarantee him candidacy in the forthcoming general election if he decides to join Warisan.
“I told him it is up to you. I have said in my speech that Sabah needs to be united. United irrespective of who they are. But we are an opposition party. We have nothing to offer him.
“We can’t make him minister or even assistant minister.
“But if he does (cross over to Warisan) for the people. Why can’t we consider him joining us?
“I have said even if I can find a way to work with PBS founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
“I don’t mind to do it even tomorrow in the effort to ensure how best we can unite the
people of Sabah,” he told reporters after a party function held in Putatan last night.
When asked whether Wetrom is now in Warisan, Shafie answered, “More or less.”
Shafie also said that Wetrom had to join Warisan first before being considered as a potential candidate for the Kota Marudu seat, adding that he (Shafie) was still deciding on the candidates for the parliamentary seat.
“Well, that beside the point, I already told him to join (Warisan) first.
“But let me look for a more suitable candidate. I need to see who is capable. If he is a winnable candidate, I can consider,” he said.
Wetrom, who is a Bersatu man, however, is expected to hold a press conference tomorrow or on Wednesday to officially declare his political stand. – The Vibes, October 17, 2022