Talks ongoing over Umno-Warisan link-up in Sabah: Shafie

 

Warisan president Shafie Apdal said both his party and Sabah Umno are still discussing teaming up in the next state election.

Shafie was quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying that Warisan does not mind working with Sabah Umno, as long as the cooperation is directed towards the well-being of the people in the state.

He then explained that he was from Umno previously and had even served for 29 years, aside from helping the Sabahans with all his might throughout that period.

“We are flexible. We will review whichever party, what is important is the accountability of the ruling party so that Sabah is on their mind.

“Don’t think only of Kuala Lumpur (Peninsular Malaysia) because this is our priority. This cooperation is to ensure that every future administration is geared towards ensuring that Sabah is a priority,” he was quoted as saying at Parliament yesterday.

Previously, it was reported that Warisan was ready to accept any formula from Sabah Umno, especially in matters concerning the chief minister position if the cooperation between the two parties can be realised in the run-up to the state election.

Questions surrounding the potential candidate for the chief minister position were sparked after Warisan and Sabah Umno gave the impression that they would work together in the next state poll to topple Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

The Sabah assembly term only ends in October 2025, but Hajiji in November last year hinted that state polls might take place earlier than planned.

He also expressed the hope that there would be no more attempts to seize power in the next state election, similar to what happened earlier this year, as it could jeopardise Sabah’s political stability.

Sabah Umno withdrew its support for Hajiji’s state government on Jan 5 last year, with Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin losing his position as deputy chief minister.

Several Umno assemblypersons left to join GRS parties while others remained with Umno but continued to support Hajiji’s government.