KOTA KINABALU – To move forward, the country needs to let go of its current “divisive” political style, said Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
In an interview with radio station BFM, the former Sabah chief minister said divisive race- and religion-based politics have caused Malaysians unending problems.
The country needs to go beyond these two issues, and look into the economic aspect as a tool to unite the people, he added.
“It is time for us to move forward. I am not saying that we should question the rights of the Malay and Bumiputera, but economy is the best tool to unite the people.”
The Semporna MP pointed out that even Vietnam has overtaken Malaysia in terms of investment, as a result of the latter’s political instability.
“I have been in politics for 35 years. It is high time for us to look beyond the country’s political environment. We are not moving forward; we are lagging behind.”
Disassociating Warisan from Pakatan Harapan
Shafie has already indicated his decision to disassociate with PH’s presidential council at a meeting last year.
He said the coalition’s top leaders – PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Amanah president Mohammad Sabu and then PH chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – were present when he made the decision.
“I told (them), this is the last day for PH plus with Warisan. But as the opposition, when it comes to the interest of the country and people, I will be there to... fight for them.
“These are the fundamentals that need to be laid down to ensure the country will be on the right path.”
Shafie said this is to ensure Warisan is well-managed and taken care of as it embarks on a national expansion.
Warisan has not entirely abandoned PH, he added, but expressed concern over the in-fighting and disagreements between the coalition’s component parties.
“We have seen that in Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional. They are still squabbling. We have yet to resolve this matter.
“We need to look at how best to unite all Malaysians. This is why I have set up a multiracial party.”
Creating a third force
He said Warisan is in talks with Muda leader Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who appears to have the support of Malaysian youth.
This is important as youth makes up the future of Malaysia, he added, and this is why Warisan supports the Undi18 initiative, as the voice of the young should also be heard.
Shafie, however, made no mention of whether he is in talks with other party leaders, and instead said Warisan may also work with Parti Bersatu Sarawak, which ex-PKR lawmaker Baru Bian has joined.
Shafie, whose name was once touted as the next prime minister replacing Dr Mahathir, said the people should also consider an East Malaysian prime minister.
He said the racial and religious tolerance of the people in Sabah and Sarawak could resolve the divisive race- and religious-based politics in the country. – The Vibes, April 7, 2021
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