Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan condemned what it described as a malicious smear campaign targeting its leaders, urging Sabahans to reject the politics of hate and misinformation ahead of the state election.
Warisan’s Legal Advisor Chin Tek Ming said the recent wave of online attacks, particularly those questioning the ethnicity of party President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, was part of a deliberate effort by certain quarters to undermine Warisan’s growing grassroots support.
“For too long, these falsehoods have been used to mislead the public and sow division among Sabahans. But the truth remains, Shafie is a true son of Sabah, and his record of fighting for the State speaks louder than any false claim,” he said in a statement, Monday.
He said some of the smear campaigns were orchestrated by rival political operatives and cybertroopers who resorted to racial slurs and false claims linking Shafie to undocumented immigrants.
“These accusations are baseless and malicious. Shafie is a Bajau, born and raised in Semporna, a leader who has always prioritised the welfare of Sabah and its people,” he said.
Chin said Shafie’s record as Chief Minister between 2018 and 2020 clearly demonstrated his commitment to inclusivity, reform and unity.
During Warisan’s administration, Shafie appointed a record number of Chinese ministers and assistant ministers to key portfolios, including Tourism, Agriculture, People’s Health and Youth and Sports, a reflection of the party’s multiracial leadership, Chin said.
By contrast, he said, the current Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration has only two Chinese ministers and one assistant minister.
He also reminded that it was under Shafie’s government that Sabah formally recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), a long-standing demand from the Chinese community.
“Unlike others, Warisan turned this into policy, not empty promises,” Chin said.
Chin further said that despite its short 26-month tenure, including eight months under Covid-19 restrictions — the Warisan administration achieved major reforms such as introducing state sales tax on petroleum products, extending land leases to 999 years and advancing Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Among other achievements were the appointments of Tan Sri Richard Malanjum as Malaysia’s first non-Malay Chief Justice and the late Datuk Liew Vui Keong as Federal Law Minister to drive MA63 reforms, as well as the declaration of Christmas Eve as a state public holiday to promote unity and religious harmony.
“Shafie’s leadership reflects the true Sabah spirit, unity in diversity, fairness and respect,” Chin said.
He reiterated that accusations linking Shafie to “PTI” or suggesting he granted citizenships were completely false, as such powers fall solely under the Federal Government.
