Warisan president Shafie Apdal has accused political rivals of pouring millions of ringgit into online campaigns to undermine his party ahead of the upcoming state polls, adding that perception warfare has replaced real debate over Sabah’s problems.
The former chief minister claimed that over RM8 million had been allocated for a social media campaign targeting Warisan, alleging the funds had been budgeted via the state government.
As for Warisan, Shafie said his party relies on the grassroots and ordinary Sabahans to defend the party online.
“They spent RM2 million last year. This year, do you know how much? RM8.7 million, just for social media.
“We don’t have that kind of money to pay for TikTok or media campaigns.
“But the ones who defend us are ordinary people, netizens, who respond sincerely,” he said during a press conference at Warisan’s headquarters in Kota Kinabalu today.
Lately, Shafie and his party have been under attack online, with rival-linked social media pages accusing Warisan of politicking instead of helping Sabahans hit by recent floods and landslides.
In one instance, Sabah Umno blamed Shafie for the recurring power disruptions on the east coast.
Some also highlighted the state’s over RM300 million in payout to water concessionaires after Warisan cancelled their contracts, which they claim left Sabah with lingering water woes.
He was referring to Hajiji’s claim that the water problems in the state were triggered by the previous Warisan government’s decision to terminate nine concession companies managing water treatment plants across Sabah.
According to The Daily Express today, Hajiji said the termination resulted in the state government getting sued, which resulted in the payout, and had disrupted the management of the existing water supply.
Shafie further said that the spending spree showed how “perception warfare” had overtaken policy in Sabah politics.
Instead of offering solutions to long-standing issues such as disruption to water supply, electricity and roads, he accused his opponents of resorting to digital platforms to influence the public.
“This is why they hit us so hard online. But I believe this time the people of Sabah can see through it.
“They feel it themselves, whether it is the water crisis, power cuts or broken roads,” he added.
Edna joins Warisan
On another matter, Shafie announced that 47-year-old Edna Majimbun has joined Warisan.
She is the daughter of Eric Majimbun, a long-time figure in Parti Bersatu Sabah before becoming deputy president of the Sabah Progressive Party.
Known for his independent streak, Eric had frequently pressed for greater state autonomy and challenged federal dominance over Sabah’s affairs.
On Edna’s entry, Shafie described the Kota Kinabalu native chief’s decision to join Warisan as an important step towards leadership renewal and inclusivity.
“She is willing to sacrifice what she already has for the sake of Sabah and its people. I knew her father well - Eric was my friend in the political struggle.
“The Majimbun family is respected in Sepanggar, and Edna’s decision strengthens our effort to unite the people,” Shafie added.
When asked if Edna would be fielded as a candidate in the upcoming Sabah state election, Shafie declined to confirm.
“The time will come - not to announce now. If we reveal names too early, other parties will try to approach or buy over our candidates,” he said.
On her decision, Edna said it was time for Sabahans to unite under Warisan.
Asked how her father responded to her decision, she replied: “I am old enough to make my own decisions.” - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.