Warisan President Shafie Apdal Expects Greater Support in Sabah Polls
A Clear Plan and Direction
Warisan president Shafie Apdal has expressed confidence in the party enjoying greater support in this year’s Sabah polls, even in Chinese-majority areas conventionally dominated by Pakatan Harapan. According to Shafie, Sabahans are more mature now and know what characteristics they want in their leaders.
“I am confident that Chinese voters are mature voters and want a leader who they can rely on and trust. For them, it is not merely about who is the candidate. The candidate is not important,” Shafie said, as reported by The Borneo Post.
“What they want is changes in terms of business, job opportunities and basic essential items that are currently lacking. So I see the coming state election as a time for the people to choose a leader and a government that can move Sabah in the right direction,” he added.
Shafie, a former chief minister, emphasized that his party has a clear plan and direction which would be implemented “the moment we take over the government.” Warisan has said it would only work with local parties for the 17th Sabah state assembly elections this year, and not national parties like PH, Barisan Nasional, and Perikatan Nasional.
Strong Presence in Sabah’s East Coast
Warisan has maintained a strong presence in Sabah’s east coast, including Semporna, which Shafie has represented in the Dewan Rakyat since 1995. On the other hand, PH holds strong support in urban areas.
PH and Warisan are allies in the federal government, but Warisan sits in the opposition in the state assembly while PH is a part of the Hajiji Noor state government. PH and Warisan worked together in the 2020 election but lost to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah grand alliance, which at the time included Sabah Umno, Sabah Bersatu, Parti Bersatu Sabah, and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku.
A New Era for Sabah
Shafie’s confidence in Warisan’s chances in the upcoming polls stems from the party’s commitment to implementing a clear plan and direction for Sabah’s development. Warisan has promised to work with local parties to bring about positive changes in the state, and Shafie believes that this approach will resonate with voters.
“I am confident that Sabahans are looking for a change and a new direction. We are offering a new era for Sabah, and I believe that we will be able to deliver on our promises,” Shafie said.
Conclusion
Warisan president Shafie Apdal’s confidence in the party’s chances in the upcoming Sabah polls is based on the party’s commitment to implementing a clear plan and direction for the state’s development. With a strong presence in Sabah’s east coast and a promise to work with local parties, Warisan is poised to make a significant impact in the polls.
FAQs
Q: What is Warisan’s plan for Sabah’s development?
A: Warisan has promised to implement a clear plan and direction for Sabah’s development, focusing on business, job opportunities, and basic essential items.
Q: Will Warisan work with national parties in the upcoming polls?
A: No, Warisan has said it will only work with local parties for the 17th Sabah state assembly elections this year.
Q: What is the current state of the opposition in the Sabah state assembly?
A: Warisan sits in the opposition in the state assembly, while PH is a part of the Hajiji Noor state government.
Q: What is the significance of Shafie Apdal’s comments on Chinese voters?
A: Shafie’s comments suggest that Warisan is confident that Chinese voters will support the party due to its commitment to delivering positive changes in the state.