Shafie nudges opposition to muster courage for change, outlines vision for Malaysia

 

Warisan president Shafie Apdal used his party's annual general assembly today to push the divided opposition, which has struggled to dislodge the Perikatan Nasional government, to institute a leadership change.

But beyond pressuring his Pakatan Harapan allies, his speech was filled with subtext as he positioned himself as an alternative to opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim without once mentioning the PKR president.

"The opposition, at this moment, must have the courage to make a change.

"The opposition not only needs a change in terms of leadership but also direction. Or else, the people will not side with us as they want a change for the better, not for the worse," he said in his officiating speech, adding that the same desire for change was what dislodged Umno and BN in the 2018 general election.

Shafie said now was not the time for the opposition, which was ousted from government in March, to mourn, but to rise up.

Positioning himself as a fighter, the Warisan chief pointed out that he had spent many years in the opposition, alluding to his Usno days in the 1980s.

"Don't worry. I am used to being in the opposition... For more than 10 years there were no positions or projects," he said.

As such, he urged Warisan not to give up hope after the Warisan Plus alliance was defeated in the recently concluded Sabah election.

Presenting himself as a national leader, Shafie highlighted Sabah's multicultural nature which he said should serve as an example for Malaysia.

"Sabah can be considered as a melting pot of various races and religions, all living under one roof.

"That is what Malaysia is supposed to be, not based on one race and one religion. We have to care for all races and all religions, regardless of where they come from.

"We want Malaysia to be progressive. If we want a united Malaysia, then we need to combine our strengths," he said.

Shafie stressed that he wants to build the "nation" and not "race" or "religion".

'Brave enough to make changes'

In a veiled reference to Anwar, Shafie said certain leaders thought that they are most suited to lead the country due to their international standing.

However, he added that relatively unknown leaders have risen to power.

"There are leaders who think they are suited to lead the country, that they are the chosen one. They are known everywhere - an internationally known leader.

"But when Obama offered himself as the US president, Sabahans didn't know who he was," he said.

Likewise, Shafie said US vice-president-elect Kamala Harris was also relatively unknown internationally when she was chosen.

"Do not worry, if there is a need for change, be it within our leadership, party or country - if there is a change that needs to be done, change must come.

"We must be brave enough to make changes. We should not continue with one leadership and one direction that is not supported by the people," he said.

Shafie also voiced support for plans to expand Warisan to Peninsular Malaysia, pointing out that Sabah based parties such as PBS and Upko had previously contested in Penang and Perak respectively, but had since withdrawn from the region.

He added that if Umno and even Harapan parties can expand to Sabah, there was no reason why Warisan cannot expand to Peninsular Malaysia.

"It is time for Sabah not only to be involved in negotiations but also to become a decisionmaker in Malaysia," he said.

Shafie warned that if the opposition dare not make a change, then it may suffer in the 15th general election.

"If the opposition does not make a change to unite but also to chart its future - be it DAP, PKR, Amanah or Warisan - if we dare not make a change, believe me, the people will not choose us in the election," he said. - Mkini