PAPAR: Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal urged Sabahans to think beyond short-term election incentives, saying that financial handouts like RM300 should not dictate their votes.
He stressed that real progress comes from economic growth, stable governance, and policies that prioritise the people’s long-term well-being, not last-minute cash aid meant to secure political support.
Speaking at a Parti Warisan event in Kampung Beringgis, Papar, where five new branches were launched for the Kawang state constituency, Shafie questioned the government’s claims of job creation.
He pointed out that despite promises of thousands of new jobs, many Sabah graduates still struggle to find employment and are forced to seek opportunities outside the state.
“They say they created 3,000, 4,000 jobs, but do they realise that over 30,000 graduates enter the job market every year? Where are these jobs? Our young people are leaving for Johor, Selangor, Terengganu, even Singapore. What opportunities do they have here?” he asked.
Shafie accused the GRS-led government of mismanaging Sabah’s economy and resources, arguing that despite the state’s wealth in oil, gas, and timber, many people remain in poverty.
He said poor road conditions, unreliable water supply and limited job prospects continue to push Sabahans to leave in search of better livelihoods.
“Sabah is the number one oil producer in Malaysia, yet we have to borrow money just to fix our water supply. How can that make sense?” he said.
Shafie also reaffirmed Warisan’s commitment to fight for Sabah’s political autonomy. He said that peninsula-based parties should not control the state’s affairs, reminding the people that Sabah was once self-governed without external influence.
“When Sabah formed Malaysia, we didn’t have Umno, PKR, or Bersatu. Our leaders built this state without outside control. Why should we now depend on parties from the peninsula to decide our future?” he said.
He also warned against politicians who frequently switch parties for power, saying true leadership requires consistency and dedication to public service.
Shafie also called for unity among Sabahans to set aside racial and religious differences to push for meaningful change.
“The power to shape Sabah’s future is in your hands—not in Kuala Lumpur, not with politicians who jump from party to party. It is with you,” he said.
