TAWAU: Parti Warisan has expressed grave concern over the potential spread of “extraordinary” money politics during the coming 17th state general election (GE17).
Its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the electoral process must be conducted cleanly and fairly, without unhealthy practices or excessive spending that violate the Election Offences Act 1954.
Under the Act, candidates and their agents are limited to a maximum campaign expenditure of RM100,000. Any breach could result in disqualification, and if the offender wins, their victory may be nullified through an election petition.
“I hope there will be no unhealthy practices this time. I’ve been informed that some parties plan to spend huge sums, so GE17 must be closely and properly monitored,” he said.
Shafie said this after meeting Warisan leaders and supporters from the Kukusan constituency at Muhibbah BAL here on Tuesday night.
He noted that “unusual money flows” during election seasons are not new but urged authorities to take proactive steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and its outcome.
The former Chief Minister also warned that Warisan would take necessary steps to prevent attempts to undermine election integrity, including acts of sabotage such as power blackouts during polling day.
On Warisan’s direction should it secure a majority in the upcoming election, Shafie reaffirmed the party’s commitment to govern Sabah with integrity and transparency while maintaining a cooperative stance with the Federal Government.
“We want a clean, trustworthy, and credible State Government, one not surrounded by issues of leakage or corruption,” he said, adding that core issues such as water supply, electricity, and public transport remain among Warisan’s top priorities.
Asked if contesting against Unity Government components such as Pakatan Harapan (PH) might strain relations, Shafie dismissed the notion, saying Warisan’s policy remains consistent, to work with the Federal Government while defending Sabah’s rights and autonomy.
“Other states like Johor and Sarawak also have good relations with the Federal Government despite not having PH representatives in their cabinets. So why can’t we? Give us the chance to lead Sabah in our own way,” he said.
On claims of job monopolisation by individuals from Semporna if Warisan returns to power, Shafie rejected the allegation, stressing that key posts under his previous administration were filled based on merit and capability.
He said Warisan’s appointments were made based on qualifications, intelligence, and leadership talent, not on origin or ethnicity.
