KOTA KINABALU – Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal will have more to say on political alliances after the fasting month as the Sabah-based party is looking inward first.
He said talks of political cooperation with other parties are on the backburner for now, giving a chance for members to first strengthen Warisan.
“I have a lot of things to say. But now is not the time. It is still the holy month of Ramadan. After this, there are a lot of things I want to say,” he told reporters here at a breaking of fast event yesterday.
He also did not divulge his pick for prime minister, saying it is clear that Malaysians want to see a change of leadership in the country, similar to the sentiments in other countries such as Pakistan.
“People want leadership change. We can’t force the people. Don’t blame us if this is the people’s decision,” he said.
Shafie said this in response to political cooperation, including with Muda, as parties are preparing for a possible general election this year.
He added that Warisan could not confirm joining any alliances, as voter sentiments remain unclear for now.
Considering recent state elections in Johor, Sarawak and Melaka, voters don’t see present political alliances as their choice and politicians cannot assume they could win, he said.
“We need to be adaptable to the changes and meet the desire of the people on the ground. So, it is a matter of what people want, not what we want.”
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had said his ties with Warisan remain “very good” and insisted cooperation with other parties are still important in facing the coming general election.
Meanwhile, Sabah Bersatu information chief Khairul Firdaus Akbar said his chief Datuk Seri Hajiji Md Noor, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, and Shafie should set aside their differences to “save” the state.
“Sabah and Sarawak are rich in resources, and in terms of revenue itself, it is among the highest in Malaysia. But we are viewed as inferior. This is not healthy.”
Firdaus said a compromise could be made between the three politicians, saying Hajiji was open for a two-term limit for Sabah chief minister.
“Shafie has wide knowledge on federal politics. Maybe he can be our future prime minister or deputy prime minister. Who knows?
“Bung is a good leader and understands the grassroots problems. He can assist Sabah and voice state issues in Parliament. So why not all of us sit down together?”
Firdaus said this is not about a unity government, but whether these leaders have the people’s interest at heart.
He added local issues will remain a focal point for Sabahans rather than national problems. – The Vibes, April 20, 2022
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