GEORGE TOWN – Malaysia can have its own “Jokowi” in Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said party vice-president Datuk Junz Wong.
Wong added that Shafie shares many attributes with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, especially doing away with race and religion in politics.
“Malaysia can also have its own Jokowi – a modern, progressive and visionary leader. This opportunity is presented in the form of Warisan and Shafie,” Wong said in a statement.
“Race and religion-based ideas and ideology will not augur well for a multi-racial and religious society like Malaysia. Future politicians should be able to transcend class, creed and culture and views.
“For a start, let me emphasise that true revamp can only happen by revamping an entire system, and that means doing things differently.
“We have seen peninsula-based political parties trumpeting such change as an opposition, yet unable to deliver when in power because of – among others – pushback from the conservatives and those against pluralism.”
He said this meant that even if such political parties wanted to make changes, they would be met with resistance by the very people whom they are trying to win votes from.
“A dilemma then ensues. Should such a revamp be compromised in order to win potential votes, or should such revamps be carried out while risking a loss of potential votes?”
He added that is why Warisan has offered itself not only to Sabahans, but to all Malaysians.
“Friends in West Malaysia who have often looked to East Malaysia’s plurality may now be kingmakers alongside East Malaysians to revamp the country’s political scene for the good of all Malaysians.”
Late last year, Warisan started to open its branches in Peninsular Malaysia as the party makes its entry into the national political stage. – The Vibes, September 29, 2022
