KUDAT: Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (pic) said many individuals are interested in becoming Warisan candidates for the coming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
“The candidate profiles are piling up at home. All are qualified, but announcements will only be made once the State Assembly is dissolved,” he said.
However, Shafie stated that all Warisan candidates will be required to sign an agreement obligating them to pay RM10 million if they leave the party, a move not solely reliant on the Anti-Party Hopping Act.
Responding to claims by certain quarters that Warisan is not a local party but rather a national one, Shafie denied the allegations, labelling them as slander and baseless accusations.
He also revealed the recent entry of new members and the formation of several new branches, with around 2,500 new members joining from other parties, including Gagasan Rakyat and Star.
“This is a sign of our efforts to unite the people of Sabah. That is why we are contesting all 73 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats.
“Our goal is to unite the people and prevent them from being fragmented across different parties.
“When there are too many parties, there’s no unanimity, and conflicts arise due to competing party interests, which can lead to the people’s needs being neglected,” he told the media during a grassroots programme.
Shafie also expressed confidence that Warisan can win big in Kudat, particularly in the Tanjong Kapor state constituency.
“But we shouldn’t be overconfident. Instead, we must work hard. That’s why I’m here in Kudat and I’ll also visit the surrounding islands soon,” he said.
He added that the gathering with the people was intended to deliver accurate information, clear up misunderstandings and engage closely with the people for the betterment of their future and the future of Sabah.
